How to Change the Color of a Stetson Hat
While a Stetson hat is a classic accessory, you may want to change the color of your Stetson. A color change can be all about fashion, or you might change the color of a Stetson hat to hide staining or damage. Be sure that you are working with a wool felt Stetson for a good result. It may take a bit of courage to dunk that Stetson in dye, but with time, care and a very large pot, you can turn a stained and worn hat into one that looks fresh and new.
Things You'll Need
- Acid dye
- Vinegar
- Large dedicated dye pot
- Wooden spoon
- Disposable plastic spoons
- Disposable plastic cup
Instructions
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1
Soak your Stetson hat in a solution of warm water and one cup white vinegar for at least 30 minutes to one hour before dyeing. Wash your wool felt hat using a mild shampoo and warm water if it is dirty or soiled before soaking in the vinegar solution.
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2
Fill the pot with water. Be sure that your pot is large enough to fit the Stetson hat without folding or bending. Use filtered water if you have concerns about the quality of your tap water. Bring the water to a simmer.
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3
Mix the acid dye for wool felt with a small amount of hot water in a disposable plastic cup. Use approximately 1/3 ounce to 2/3 ounce of acid dye per pound of fiber. Allow more dye for darker colors. Stir well with a disposable plastic spoon.
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4
Add the Stetson hat dye to the simmering water. Stir well with a wooden spoon. Stir in approximately 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
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5
Immerse the Stetson hat into the dye pot. Stirring frequently, allow the Stetson to simmer in the dye bath for approximately 30 minutes or until the water is clear.
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6
Rinse out residual Stetson hat dye well with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of vinegar to the rinse water if the dye continues to bleed.
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