Why Do Welders Starch Their Clothes
Welders starch their clothes to prolong their usability, prevent dirt accumulation, and make them easier to clean.
Starching also provides a layer of protection against sparks, slag, and spatter, helping prevent burns.
It makes clothing oil resistant and acts as a natural flame resistor.
However, only 100% denim or cotton clothing should be starched, and it does not make them equivalent to flame retardant garments.
Starching is a cost-effective method for welders to protect their clothing while keeping their budget low.
Did You Know?
1. Welders starch their clothes to reduce the risk of sparks igniting flammable materials, as starch creates a protective barrier against heat and flames.
2. Starching clothes also helps welders maintain a more professional appearance by preventing the accumulation of dust, dirt, and metal fragments on their clothing while working.
3. The practice of starching clothes originated from the early 20th century when welders started using heavy cotton clothing to protect themselves from extreme heat and molten metal splatters.
4. One of the lesser-known benefits of starched clothing for welders is that it creates a stiffer fabric, which can help prevent injuries caused by accidental skin contact with hot surfaces or materials.
5. Interestingly, some welders believe that starching their clothes can also enhance their visibility in low-light conditions by increasing the reflectivity of their clothing, making them more visible to their colleagues and ensuring a safer working environment.
The Benefits Of Starching Welding Clothing
Starching welding clothing has long been a tradition among welders, both amateur and professional. This practice offers several benefits that help to prolong the usability of welding clothing and prevent dirt from accumulating.
When clothes are starched, they become stiffer, which makes them easier to clean. Starched garments also provide a protective barrier against sparks, slag, and spatter, preventing them from penetrating the fabric and causing burns.
In addition to these benefits, starch also makes clothing oil resistant. This is especially important for welders, as oil can pose a significant threat when exposed to sparks and flames. Starch acts as a natural flame resistor when ironed onto fabric, providing an extra layer of protection against burns.
However, it is important to note that starched clothing is not equivalent to flame retardant garments. While it helps reduce the risk of clothing burns, it should not replace proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as flame-resistant clothing.
Benefits of starching welding clothing:
- Easier to clean
- Provides a protective barrier against sparks, slag, and spatter
- Makes clothing oil resistant
“Starching clothing offers several benefits including easier cleaning and protection against sparks, slag, and spatter.”
How Starching Protects Welders From Burns
Welders are often exposed to extreme heat, sparks, and flying debris while working. Protecting the skin from burns is paramount in this profession, and starched clothing plays a crucial role in achieving this. Starching clothes properly helps prevent slag, sparks, and spatter from penetrating the garments and causing burns. It also helps to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on the clothes, ensuring a cleaner and safer working environment.
It is worth noting that only 100% denim or cotton clothing should be starched. These fabrics are more durable and resistant to the heat and molten metal particles that are common in welding. Starched clothing can feel stiffer at first, but with wear and use, it will loosen up and still provide the necessary protection.
Diy Flame Resistance: Starching Your Work Shirt
The rising popularity of flame-resistant (FR) clothing among welders is undeniable. FR clothing is known to last longer and provide better protection compared to regular cotton or denim clothing. However, it often comes with a higher price tag, leading some welders to seek alternative methods.
Some have discovered that by starching their cotton work shirts, they can achieve a DIY flame-resistant garment. While this method does provide an extra layer of protection, it may not be equivalent to fully flame retardant garments.
Starching a work shirt to make it flame resistant involves following a specific process:
- Wash and dry the garment before starching.
- Use a spray bottle with Purex Sta-Flo starch to spray the starch evenly onto the fabric.
- Allow the garment to dry overnight, allowing the starch to fully set.
- Iron or steam press the shirt to ensure a crisp and durable finish.
“Starching a work shirt can provide some level of flame resistance, but it is important to note that it may not offer the same level of protection as fully flame retardant garments.”
Choosing The Right Clothing For The Job
Selecting appropriate clothing for welding jobs is crucial to reduce the risk of burns and injuries. Higher welding amperages may require fully leather jackets instead of the cotton options commonly used. Welders must use their own judgment and consider the specific requirements of the job when deciding on the most suitable clothing. It is also worth noting that while starching clothing provides some level of protection, it should not replace the use of proper PPE, including flame-resistant clothing, gloves, helmets, and goggles.
While starching clothing can be an effective way to protect against burns, it is important to consider the cost and long-term practicality. Constantly paying a laundromat to starch clothes can become expensive. As an alternative, investing in fully flame-resistant garments may be a more cost-effective and practical solution in the long run. However, for welders looking to preserve their current clothing and keep their budget low, starching can be a viable option.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Starching Welding Clothes
If you are interested in starching your welding clothes, pipeline welder Austin Ross has created a helpful step-by-step video guide on YouTube. The process involves using a spray bottle filled with Purex Sta-Flo starch and an iron or steam press.
To starch your welding clothes at home, start by washing and drying the garment. Once dry, use the spray bottle to evenly distribute the starch onto the fabric. It is important to ensure thorough coverage to maximize the protection. Let the garment dry overnight, allowing the starch to fully set. Finally, iron or steam press the shirt, giving it a final crisp finish.
While steam presses are more efficient, they can be costly, ranging from $100 to $200. However, the Sta-Flo starch comes in a large bottle, allowing for multiple refills and extending the lifespan of the starching process. It is worth noting that starching clothes is an old-fashioned process also utilized for khakis and denim, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness.
Starching welding clothing is a time-honored tradition that offers numerous benefits to welders. It helps to prolong the usability of clothing, prevents dirt accumulation, and provides protection against burns from sparks, slag, and spatter. However, it is essential to remember that starched clothing is not equivalent to fully flame retardant garments and should not replace proper PPE. Welders should use their own judgment when selecting appropriate clothing for the job, considering the specific requirements and potential risks. While starching clothes can be a cost-effective option, it is important to weigh the long-term practicality and consider investing in fully flame-resistant garments for optimal safety and protection.
Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does starch damage clothes?
The prolonged use of starch on clothes has the potential to accelerate the wear and tear process. While clothes naturally degrade over time, starch can contribute to faster deterioration. The added stiffness that starch provides to fibers may lead to snapping instead of bending, ultimately resulting in frayed collars and cuffs. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution when using starch to ensure the longevity of clothing items.
How long do welding shirts last?
The longevity of welding shirts depends on various factors such as the quality of the material, frequency of use, and proper care. Generally, a good quality welding shirt, designed to withstand the heat and damage caused by fire, can last anywhere from 1 to 2 years with proper care. Regularly inspecting the shirt for wear and tear, following the manufacturer’s care instructions, and promptly repairing any damages can help prolong its lifespan. Ultimately, it is recommended to replace a welding shirt when it shows significant signs of wear or its protective properties begin to diminish.
Can you starch fire retardant clothing?
No, it is not advisable to starch fire retardant clothing. Starching FR clothing can negatively impact its safety features, as it interferes with the fire-resistant properties of the fabric. Additionally, using fabric softeners or starch when laundering FR clothing is discouraged, as these products can also compromise the effectiveness of the flame-resistant properties. It is crucial to follow proper laundering guidelines to ensure the integrity and safety of fire retardant clothing.
Does starch weaken fabric?
Yes, starch can weaken fabric by reducing its tensile strength. While starch does not directly degrade the fabric material, it does increase rigidity and reduce flexibility. The main purpose of starch is to add body and stiffness to fabrics, which can result in decreased tensile strength and decreased overall durability of the fabric.
