How to Dye a Stetson Straw Cowboy Hat
Stetson hats are a timeless look, but you can adapt one to a more modern style using hat pins and other accessories. If you want to make a more bold statement, a bottle of dye and some simple work tools will give your straw Stetson hat a new life.
Things You'll Need
- Hat
- 2 clean cloths
- Small dropcloth
- Rubber gloves
- Dye of choice
- Rubbing alcohol
- Plastic or glass bowl
- Applicator dauber
Instructions
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1
Place your straw Stetson front and center on a drop cloth. Wipe it with a clean, damp cloth to remove any surface dirt. Remove the band or other decoration from the hat.
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2
Put on your rubber gloves and mix your dye as needed in a plastic or glass bowl. Using manufacturer's instructions as a guide, combine a concentrated powder or liquid dye with rubbing alcohol in place of water. The alcohol will help permeate any protectant on the straw and deposit the color.
If you are using aniline dye or varnish, mix your desired colors for custom effect.
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3
Dip your applicator dauber into the dye mixture and apply the color in a sponging motion, which will allow the color to get into the nooks of the straw weave. Let each coat dry thoroughly. Repeat for desired effect.
If you're working with aniline or varnish, follow up each coat by blotting with a cloth to remove excess color that can lead to bubbles or clumps.
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4
Rinse your Stetson in a clean water. If you are working with a mixture of concentrated dye and alcohol, rinse as you would when dyeing any other fabric. This helps remove excess color and prevent stains that could occur at the first exposure to water, such as on a rainy day.
If you are working with an aniline or varnish, wipe your hat with a clean, damp cloth.
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Tips & Warnings
When choosing what to use to dye your Stetson, keep in mind that the straw has likely been treated for durability and will be difficult to permeate with regular water-based fabric dyes.
Consider using an aniline leather dye or a wood varnish, and create a test patch on the inside of the crown. Wait 24 hours to see how your patch reacts and absorbs.
When working with aniline dyes or varnish, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
