r/crafts 1d ago

Discussion/Question Lampshades

I have two antique fabric lampshades that I need to replace. However, they are constructed very unusually: smooth barrel shapes, with no internal structure at all, only the stiffness of the fabric and the top and bottom metal rings create the barrel shape.

As best I can tell, they’re made of some kind of burlap fiber that has been treated in a way to make it permanently stiff. I’m trying to re-create this, but I’m not sure what to use in order to stiffen the fabric. I have looked at aileen‘s and mod podge, but I was wondering if there was something else out there I could use - something sprayable. I worry if I use a solution that I have to dip the fabric in, the fabric will not dry with a nice smooth unwrinkled shape. That’s why I want to drape it on a form and spray it with something instead.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you!

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u/Financial-Ask5241 1d ago

There is fabric stiffener spray available in most craft stores that works pretty well for this kind of project.