Mix this powdered sizing with water to make an ideal solution for stiffening straw, felt, leather , fabric and many other items, including silk flowers. Experimenting is going to be your best teacher. What ratio you will use for your stiffener mix all depends on the fiber, the saturation, and your stiffness preference.
Instructions for use:
MIX-SHAKE-USE
- Presoak powder in cold or hot tap water (several hours). Stir enough to moisten and then allow it to set. Shake the jar now and then. Use a Mason jar. Soaking overnight works best.
- Store in air-tight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to one year.
- Sizing solution can be sponged on to hat surface, dipped, or sprayed (ratio of water to powder varies for how it is used and your preference of stiffening).
- Sponge off excess sizing, steam* and block. *Steaming the hatbody while sizing is still wet forces the sizing from the surface allowing it into the hat fibers.
Suggested Ratio:
- Straw or Leather – 1 cup water to 1 Tbl powder
- Felt – 1/2 cup water to 1 Tbl powder
It is always best to apply multiple light layers of stiffener, rather than one glumpy, thick layer. Allow to dry between applications. Best practice is to wear a mask when working with powders.
TIP: Pour enough for use into a separate container, do not use directly from your main batch. Otherwise you will contaminate your main batch.
To speed up process:
- Once the PVA powder has absorbed water (1-2 hours) it is ready to heat over low heat. Place a pan of water under bowl of solution and slowly heat. Stir often. The solution needs to dissolve completely.
- PAY ATTENTION to this step. This is an alcohol based product, do not walk away while heating.
- Stirring frequently helps make a smooth mixture. When ready, you may want to strain mixture through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining lumps. Allow to cool at room temperature.