Hi All,

I have a CNR conductor's hat from the 1970s, black with a gold band, made by Wm Scully of Montreal. Over the years the top half has faded from back to a sort of brown. I believe all the railroad "pill box" hats were made from the same silk-like material. Does anyone know what I can put on it to bring back the black without damaging it? Would some black shoe polish work?

Thanks in advance.

Jason

Better try this on a test sample first. Dye a hat you don't care about with shoe polish. Allow to dry thoroughly. I'd suggest baking in a very low oven. Try rubbing the hat on white cloth... does the dye rub off? Then wear the hat on a hot day until the dyed area is hot and sweaty. Check again with a white cloth, and look in the mirror - you might have a black "waterline" on your head!

People who dye their own yarn or fabric - weavers & fabric artists, for example - might know what dye to use. You'll have to find out if it can be applied to a conductor's hat without damaging it.

- Doug Debs