In this project, London milliner Elena Shvab explains how to apply spray paint to a blocked straw hat crown. Elena, who is known for her metallic detailing, has used a decadent gold paint that really makes her new Tilly Fedora (pictured above) shine.

This tutorial focuses specifically on spray painting a pre-blocked straw crown, so you will need to do the blocking before you begin. If you are not sure how to block a straw crown, you can find instructions HERE. When you are finished, leave the crown on the block.

Elena used paper straw for this project but other straws will work just as well. By the way, remember to cover your hat blocks with cling film (or cellophane) before blocking to protect the wood and make it easier to remove blocked materials. This is especially important when working with spray paint, which could bleed through the straw.

Image by Julia Novikova

Category: Hats, Hints and Tips

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