Being in the welding profession, you will be responsible for cutting and joining metals and other materials on construction sites.
You will be using cutting-edge technology and equipment to assemble mechanical structures or parts with heat that demand a high level of accuracy.
If you’re new to welding, you’ve probably noticed that your welding uniform is constantly acquiring burn scars and perhaps even holes.
Even while welding clothes are far more resistant to heat than regular clothes, they cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to welding.
There are several tips you can use to extend the life of your jeans while also protecting yourself against burns while welding. One of the main tips is to starch your jeans.
Yes, welders do starch their jeans because using starch on your jeans while welding decreases the amount of damage to your garments and, eventually, your skin. The starch acts as a protective barrier on the underlying substance, extending its life.
Welders spend their days working with the sparks and flames. This can be harmful since the sparks leave holes and burn marks on the skin and garments.
This also reduces the longevity of the clothes, especially your shirt and jeans. All of this may be avoided simply by starching your jeans.
So, why do welders starch their jeans?
1.) When you appropriately starch your jeans, you prevent debris and spatters from passing through the fabric.
2.) Most welding burns involve major to minor burns, however, if your jeans are properly starched, it can help protect your skin.
3.) Starch’s qualities work as a flame retardant and prevent dirt and debris from clinging to your jeans.
4.) Although starching does not transform your jeans into a full-fledged flame-resistant garment, it does increase the overall life of your jeans, and protects you from burns.
5.) The liquid starch functions as a natural flame retardant, keeping your jeans appearing fresh and clean.
Check out this liquid starch by Purex-
- Leaves clothes looking like new.
- Helps the iron glide easily and faster giving your clothes and linen a professional finish.
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6.) It is vital to note that you should only starch 100% cotton or denim welding garments. The liquid starch must be able to seep into the clothing, which synthetic fabrics will not allow.
Benefits of starching your jeans-
√ They appear in good form.
√ They are crisp and do not require ironing.
√ They resist dust and dirt, keeping your jeans clean for a long time.
√ They keep stains from sinking into the fabric.
√ They resist flame.
Drawbacks of starching your jeans-
⊗ Excessive starching causes stiffness which affects flexibility of the garment. Your jeans become rigid and weak with time.
⊗ Heavy starching can damage the fibres, degrading the quality of fabric.
⊗ Heavy starching causes denim and cotton garments to shrink.
⊗ Harder to break into your jeans that are starched. They become really uncomfortable.
See also: What Kind of Jeans Do Welders Wear?
Tips on how you can starch your jeans at home
The starching technique is quite simple. All you need is a spray bottle, liquid starch, and an iron or steam.
1.) The first step is to ensure that your denims have been cleaned and dried. Starching unclean clothes will not produce the desired effects.
2.) The second step is to fill a spray bottle with whatever starch you’re using and spray it on top of your jeans.
3.) Hanging the clothing on a hanger is the best method since it is both efficient and simple. Allow your garments to dry overnight or for a day to allow the denim to fully absorb the starch.
4.) You may steam or iron the jeans once they’re properly dry.
Now, if you have any confusion left, watch this video and I’m sure it’s going to help you out-
FAQs-
What other clothing can you starch if you’re a welder?
If your safety gear is made up of cotton or denim, then it can be starched. It can include shirts, pants, protective aprons, jackets, sleeves, and even gloves.
You don’t have to starch your footwear and even your helmet as they are made up of special fire-retardant material that resists heat.
Should you attempt to starch your own jeans?
Well, you can starch your jeans at home but it is all up to you. If you’re confident that you can take the risk of doing it yourself, you may do it. Else, even if you decide to take it to someone who offers starching service, you can do that to save time.
Just remember that if you do decide to starch your jeans or any piece of clothing at home, follow the instructions properly and practice with a trail run before you damage any expensive piece of clothing.
Some tips to make your own homemade starch
#1. Corn starch
Corn flour is one such item that you can use to starch your jeans. Yes, this is the same corn flour we use to thicken your gravy. So how do you make a starch liquid solution out of corn flour?
1.) Take 2 cups of water and add 1 tbsp cornstarch.
2.) Mix the solution properly till there are no lumps.
3.) Pour this solution into a spray bottle.
4.) Shake the bottle well before you use it so that the cornflour that settles on the bottle can mix properly.
5.) You can use this solution to starch your jeans at home.
One minor disadvantage of using cornflour is that it tends to leave white stains on the clothing. You can get rid of it with water.
#2. Rice water
Rice water is a popular method used for starching. You can use the leftover water after boiling the rice.
1.) All you need to do is drain the excess water from the boiled rice.
2.) Remember to take out the rice water as soon as it is cooked as if you leave it till it is cool, the rice will soak up the water.
3.) The rice water you extracted should be made thinner.
4.) Now, this starch water can be left to cool and then keep it in a spray bottle to be used.
5.) Else, you can also soak your jeans in this rice starch water.
6.) Take the denim out of the water and hang it to dry.
P.S- Use this method only if you cook rice at home. We don’t want food to be wasted.
#3. Potato water starch
For this technique-
1.) You need 2 medium sized potatoes.
2.) Peel the skin off and grate the potatoes.
3.) Put it in a bowl of water and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
4.) Strain the water to get rid of grated potatoes.
5.) You need to let the water rest for sometime so that the leftover debris settles at the bottom and you can use the water on top.
6.) Boil this water and keep stirring.
7.) Let it cool, and you may use it in a spray bottle or dip the jeans in the solution.
8.) Hang the jeans and let it air dry properly.
Conclusion
Welding is a tough and dangerous job. So it is important for you to save yourself from burns and injuries.
So if you learn to starch your clothes, you don’t have to purchase those ridiculously priced flame retardant clothes. Starching adds longevity to your jeans if done properly.
It is always better to practice the starching methods, and do a trial with an inexpensive piece of clothing.
