Tips to Restore the Color of a Baseball Cap

Many people who sport baseball caps regularly have a favorite cap they wear more often than any other hat. Unfortunately, if you have a favorite baseball cap that you wear often, chances are you’ve noticed the color of your hat is fading. Baseball cap fading can happen due to extensive exposure to the sun or perspiration from your head.

For some people, it’s easy to buy a new hat that looks the same or similar and move on. But for others, the baseball hat may be custom-made or have sentimental value. Luckily, if your beloved baseball cap is faded, there are ways to restore the color. 

In this read, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to restore the color of a baseball hat.

Steps to Restore The Baseball Cap Color

A DIY baseball cap restoration project requires an instant fabric color spray, painter’s tape, a craft knife, and a covered work surface. When shopping for the fabric color spray, choose one in the original color of your baseball cap. 

Before you get started, read the cap’s care label and wash and dry the hat thoroughly to remove any dirt and sweat stains. Here are the full step-by-step instructions.

1. Opt for a Mild Detergent

Choose a mild detergent to ensure you’re not washing off the color. Strong cleaners may strip the color from the fabric. 

You can try a delicate laundry detergent, dish soap, or even shampoo if your hat has no visible stains. 

Avoid using bleach or any product containing it when cleaning your baseball cap.

2. Use a WashCloth

In this step, you need to test how the fabric of your baseball hat reacts to the detergent. Turn your cap upside down so the inside of the cap is facing up. Next, dip a corner of a clean washcloth in the detergent and rub it on the spot on the cap that’s not easily seen when worn. 

Give it a few minutes to allow the detergent to work its way into the fabric. Next, wet the other end of the washcloth in clean water and remove the detergent. 

Allow the cap to dry, then examine the spot closely. Check if the color has faded or the fabric has deteriorated. If so, the detergent is too strong, and you need to try a different type of detergent.

3. Clean with the Detergent

If your cap took the detergent just fine, go ahead and clean your hat with the detergent. Rub your baseball cap very gently in small circles with the same washcloth.

Look out for any tough spots, as they may need special attention. A soft toothbrush or other small scrubber may help rub the cleaner into the fabric. Be careful around stitched patterns and embroidered logos.

Next, rinse the washcloth and wipe your cap to get rid of the detergent.

4. Rub and Rinse

If your baseball cap doesn’t have a cardboard brim and seems sturdy enough, dip it in the sink or bucket filled with cool water and add a teaspoon of detergent. Cardboard brims bend easily and have a hollow sound when you tap on them.

Don’t be tempted to wash your hat in a dishwasher! Dishwashing detergent and hot water can damage your favorite cap irreversibly.

Allow half an hour to soak the cap in soapy water, then rub out any stains with a clean washcloth. Next, rinse the detergent off your hat with warm water before letting it dry.

5. Choose to Air Dry

Now it’s time to allow your wet cap to air dry. Don’t use a dryer, as it may cause the cap to shrink or deform. Dry it indoors to protect it from the sunlight, which may cause the colors to fade. 

Use a clean cotton or paper towel to get rid of the excess water. Place your hat on a container, a balled-up clean towel, or a mannequin head to ensure the hat’s shape stays true and doesn’t crease up.

6. Cover logo with Masking Tape

Before you spray, cover any logos or designs with painter’s tape so they are protected from the spray. Then, cut the edges of the tape with the craft knife to make sure the tape is in the exact shape of the logo.

You should also cover the surface you’ll be working on with newspaper or other protective material so you don’t get paint on the surface when spraying the hat.

7. Spray with Instant Color Spray

Once the logo is covered, spray the hat with the fabric color spray. You may need to apply multiple coats to get the color you want. If that’s the case, let the paint dry between each application. 

Once the outside of the hat is the desired color, flip the baseball cap over and apply the same number of coats to the bottom of the brim.

After your hat is completely dry, remove the painter’s tape from your hat and wear it. 

While your hat may feel stiff when you first don it, it will begin to soften up after a bit of wear and exposure to the elements.

Summing Up

A cherished hat can be given new life with a little perseverance and work. Use this guide to revive and restore the colors of your favorite cap through the right wash and a neat color spray job. 

Remember, it’s important to properly care for your caps and clean them regularly to prevent discoloration and fading.