|
|
Post by BenVK on Apr 21, 2014 8:01:54 GMT
I guess a lot of us would be interested in the best way to clean and perverse caps.
In this thread, please feel free to post the methods and techniques that work for you.
Thanks
Ben
|
|
|
|
Post by davejb on Apr 21, 2014 10:26:07 GMT
A short while ago i had a discussion with Ben concerning this very subject, i had come across a very small vacuum, handheld with a long rigid hose about 7 inches long, with a number of cleaning heads that could be attached, brushes, of various density, a flat splayed attachment that resembled the type used on household hoovers to clean under low chairs, sofas etc, i tried this cleaner on some old english caps, helmet liners, and interiors of helmets, some side caps and fragile stitching within a couple of other caps, it worked perfectly, it produced a gentle clean without stressing the liners, fabric, stitching, and cleaned the top of the caps by removing any dust particules. These types of cleaners are mainly used for cleaning computers, the keys etc and also other applications, they are available via various companies, amazon, e-bay etc, they are battery operated and vary in prices, the cheapest i have seen is £9.99, but there are so many different types that i feel sure would benefit any collectors individual requirements, I would recommend that anyone interested in this type of cleaning method, try it, it might solve a lot of problems, especially behind cap sweat bands and the fragile linings and between lining pleats. Another type of " preserving" that i have found useful is the reshaping of caps, i use an old hat shaper , this comprises a hand crank linked to two shaped wooden blocks that can be opened and closed via the turning of the crank, obviously you dont over stress the hat, but a gentle firm pressure is enough to reshape the interior sweat band, tighten the stitching etc, it also allows you to reshape the crown of the caps and the sides whilst still retaining the shape of the insides, it is especially useful if you use the steam method to relax the fabric of a cap , by immediately placing the cap onto this block the hat /cap automatically forms to the shape of the block when gently tightened, you may be able to get these from old hat stores, or there may be a more modern equivelant, hope this helps
cheers Dave
|
|
|
|
Post by davejb on Apr 21, 2014 10:54:33 GMT
This doesnt really need photos, but a small trick i use to help rehydrate old leather, may help in dealing with dry leather sweat bands, and also helping to clean leather or other material visors, i use a product called Sheratons leather balsam, it cleans ,. polishes and helps to rehydrate leather, it leaves no sticky residue and a periodic application will keep leather in good order, i have used this on helmet liners for years and it has protected them from deterioration and makes them supple enough that any handling can be done without the worry of damage, i have also used this on cracked leather, thin leather, (and my shoes and boots), as with any new product use it is up to the individual as to whether its use would be beneficial in an application, therefore before using it on a cherished cap, try it on something less worthy, see if it helps and if your happy go with it, btw it would also prove useful when fitting a replacement sweatband to apply before fitting, hope this helps
Cheers Dave
|
|
