Not sure which stiffener is right you? We've tested our full range of fabric/hat stiffeners against common materials. For more detailed information and tips & tricks, read our companion article: Choosing the Right Hat Stiffener for Your Next Project
| Stiffener | Wool & Fur Felt | Millinery Straws* | Leather | Paper | Silk Fabric | Synthetic Trims & Motifs | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Solvent Based StiffenerDangerous Goods
Traditional & Versatile
|
Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Make sure to use in a well-ventilated space with breathing protection. May levae a shiny residue on some materials when heavily saturated. |
 |
CM Extra Strength Water-Based Stiffener
Our strongest stiffener
|
Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | - | Excellent | Specially designed for millinery. PVA Based. May leave a while residue on dark fabrics if too much is used. |
 |
Millinery Gelatin Stiffener
Flower-making favourite
|
Good | Excellent | - | Great | Excellent | Good† | Experimentation required. Sold in a powdered form - mix with plain water to required consistency. |
* Including Sinamay, Abaca, Jinsin, Tinalak, Buckram, Buntal & Parisisal. † May work better on some products compared to others.
Dangerous Goods Some products are classified as Dangerous Goods for shipping purposes and cannot be sent internationally.
These recommendations are of a general nature only and we cannot guarantee compatibility of any specific products.
