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Cost
$ $ $ $ $
Difficulty
• • • • •
Time
2h00

With some duct tape and paint you can look like one classy stud or studette!
I was looking at steampunk photos, and was drooling over some awesome top hats I saw. Then I happened to glance over at my duct tape and it sparked this whole idea. And that's where the magic began.

Posted by Aidith R. Published See Aidith R.'s 6 projects »
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  • How to make a top hat. Diy Duct Tape Steampunk Top Hat - Step 1
    Step 1

    First, you should have a top hat to use as a model (you can even by cheap plastic ones at a party store to use)

  • How to make a top hat. Diy Duct Tape Steampunk Top Hat - Step 2
    Step 2

    Cover the outside of the hat with duct tap, be sure to have the sticky side facing out. Completely cover the sides, and top of the hat. I do the first layer this way to make it easy to slide off of the hat.

  • How to make a top hat. Diy Duct Tape Steampunk Top Hat - Step 3
    Step 3

    Once you have covered the sides, add a layer of tape to cover the sides, sticky side in. If you'd like, you can do 2 layers of tape to make it a little more durable. Once you have finished covering the sides, slide it off of your model hat.

  • How to make a top hat. Diy Duct Tape Steampunk Top Hat - Step 4
    Step 4

    Flip the hat upside down, and cover the rim with tape (if you're using a fabric hat, it should peel off easy, but if you're using a plastic hat you may want to apply it sticky side out as you did with the sides).

  • How to make a top hat. Diy Duct Tape Steampunk Top Hat - Step 5
    Step 5

    Once you have the rim completely covered, flip the hat right side up, and trim the tape around the edges to line up evenly with the rim.

  • How to make a top hat. Diy Duct Tape Steampunk Top Hat - Step 6
    Step 6

    After it's been trimmed, carefully peel off the tape (it should come off in a ring shape) and cover the other side with tape.

  • How to make a top hat. Diy Duct Tape Steampunk Top Hat - Step 7
    Step 7

    Trim the tape to match your first layer.

  • How to make a top hat. Diy Duct Tape Steampunk Top Hat - Step 8
    Step 8

    Once you have finished your rim, match it up to the top part of your hat, and tape together (tape it on the outside AND the inside of the hat).

  • How to make a top hat. Diy Duct Tape Steampunk Top Hat - Step 9
    Step 9

    Once your pieces are together, you should be able to tell it's a top hat.

  • How to make a top hat. Diy Duct Tape Steampunk Top Hat - Step 10
    Step 10

    Using the hot glue gun, make different lines and studs (after the hat is painted, it should look like it's a pieced together hat).

  • Step 11

    Paint the entire hat black, and apply a 2nd coat. This will give your hat the antique effect, so double check to make sure you've gotten it covered well. (Sorry, I forgot to get a photo of this stage)

  • How to make a top hat. Diy Duct Tape Steampunk Top Hat - Step 12
    Step 12

    I used my finger to rub on the brown paint, which is messy, however it's easier to prevent odd paintbrush strokes, and personally I feel like it's easier to control where it goes. Rub it on, and try not to get too much in the creases, that way it won't ruin the antiqued leather look.

  • Step 13

    Use a sealer spray, and cover the hat, and be sure to get under the rim as well.

  • How to make a top hat. Diy Duct Tape Steampunk Top Hat - Step 14
    Step 14

    Using the hot glue gun, attach the lace or ribbon of your choice around the hat, I chose a copper lace for mine. If you wish, you may also add other things to decorate it (I used little bugs, a butterfly and little flowers).

  • How to make a top hat. Diy Duct Tape Steampunk Top Hat - Step 15
    Step 15

    Now you can sit back and admire the cheapest steampunk top hat ever!

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Comments

Lisa L.
Lisa L.
Pure brilliance !!!! Love
Reply
Ginger J,
Ginger J, · Sacramento, California, US · 3 projects
Happy Love this idea...... What a great way to change a dollar store top hat into something really wonderful!!
Reply
Natalie K.
Natalie K.
Love it! Happy I make steampunk top hats just on top hats I buy at Amazon. Adding the elements of duct tape, hot glue and paint sure give that awesome antique pieced leather look that mine lack. Happy
Reply
Abi k.
Abi k. · 3 projects
i actually love this so cool Happy
Reply
Shayna K.
Shayna K. · 1 project
that is AMAZING!!!!!!!!
Reply
CraftyQueenee
CraftyQueenee · Yorkton, Saskatchewan, CA
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Reply
anthea.katzeff
anthea.katzeff · Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA
Thanks babe, going to make this tonight. Africa Burn here we come!!! Rediculously excited!
Reply
Mussetter7
Mussetter7
Love this hat and I'm making a man's one for my best friend. Please help me out somebody! What is the finishing spray used to seal the paint? You Americans may be familiar with the term but it's probably called something else in Britain. What is it made of, what kind of shop would stock it?
Reply
Joybells
Joybells · Norfolk, Virginia, US · 23 projects
I know you've had this hat up for awhile, but I'm seeing it for the first time tonight and am amazed. Very clever work! Awesome!
Reply
donna.m.lyon.3
donna.m.lyon.3 · Lafayette, Louisiana, US
Gotta Love that duct tape has gone stylish! Fabulous hat.
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