Why Do Welders Starch Their Clothes?

Welding is a profession that involves working with high temperatures, sparks, and molten metal, which pose various hazards to the welder. To ensure personal safety and protect against burns, welders wear specialized protective clothing that is designed to withstand these hazards. However, some welders go a step further and starch their clothes. In this article, we will explore the reasons why welders starch their clothes and the benefits it provides.

Understanding Welding Hazards

Before delving into why welders starch their clothes, it’s important to understand the hazards associated with welding. Welding involves the use of intense heat to melt and fuse metal parts. This process generates sparks, UV radiation, and the risk of molten metal splattering. These hazards can cause burns, skin irritation, and eye damage if not properly protected.

The Role of Welding Clothing

Welding clothing plays a crucial role in protecting welders from the hazards present in their work environment. It acts as a barrier between the welder’s skin and the intense heat, sparks, and molten metal. The clothing used in welding is made from flame-resistant materials, such as leather, denim, or specialized fire-resistant fabrics. It provides insulation and prevents direct contact with the skin, reducing the risk of burns.

Why do Welders Starch Their Clothes?

Starching clothes involves applying a starch solution to fabric, which stiffens the material and provides certain benefits. Welders have been starching their clothes for many years, and it has become a common practice in the industry. There are several reasons why welders choose to starch their clothes:

Enhancing Fire Resistance

By starching their clothes, welders can enhance the fire resistance of the fabric. Starch acts as a protective layer, forming a barrier between the clothing and the sparks or heat generated during welding. This additional layer of protection reduces the risk of the fabric catching fire or smoldering.

Preventing Sparks from Sticking

When working with hot metal and sparks, they can often land on clothing and stick to the fabric. This can lead to burn holes and damage the clothing over time. Starching the clothes helps prevent sparks from adhering to the fabric, making it easier to brush them off and reducing the risk of damage.

Improving Durability and Lifespan of Clothing

Starching clothes also increase the durability and lifespan of welding garments. The starch stiffens the fabric, making it less prone to tearing or wearing out quickly. This is especially beneficial for areas of high friction, such as the knees and elbows of welding pants and jackets. Starched clothing can withstand the rigors of welding work for longer periods, saving welders from frequent replacements.

What Type of Welders Clothes Can Be Starched?

When it comes to starching welders’ clothes, not all types of fabrics are suitable for this treatment. Starching works best with fabrics that have a natural fiber content, as they can absorb and retain starch more effectively.

Remember to test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before applying starch to the entire garment. This will help ensure that the fabric reacts well to the starching process and achieves the desired level of stiffness without compromising its protective properties. Here are some commonly used welders’ clothes that can be starched:

1. Cotton

Cotton is a popular choice for welding clothing due to its breathability and comfort. It can be starched to provide additional stiffness and protection against sparks and heat.

2. Denim

Denim is a durable fabric commonly used for welding jeans and jackets. It can be starched to increase its fire resistance and improve its ability to repel sparks.

Clothes That Can’t Be Starched

It’s important to note that not all welders’ clothing needs to be starched. Some fabrics, like flame-resistant fabrics, may not require starching as they already possess the necessary protective qualities. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and consider the specific needs of your welding clothing before deciding to starch them. Here are some examples of those clothes.

1. Leather

Leather welding jackets, aprons, and gloves are highly resistant to heat and sparks. While leather itself cannot be starched, other fabric components, such as the inner linings or cuffs, can be starched to enhance their performance.

2. Flame-Resistant Fabrics

Certain synthetic fabrics, such as Nomex and Kevlar, are specifically designed for their flame-resistant properties. While these fabrics are inherently resistant to heat and flames, they may not necessarily benefit from starching.

Types of Starching Techniques

Traditionally, starching clothes involved immersing them in a starch solution and then ironing them to achieve the desired stiffness. However, modern alternatives have emerged, such as starch sprays and fabric enhancers. These products can be applied directly to the fabric and offer a convenient and efficient way to starch clothes without the need for soaking or ironing.

How to Starch Clothes for Welding

Starching clothes for welding can be done using the following step-by-step process:

1. Preparing the Clothing: Start by ensuring the clothing is clean and free from any stains or dirt.
2. Applying the Starch: Depending on the chosen starching method, either immerse the clothes in a starch solution or use a starch spray/fabric enhancer to coat the fabric evenly.
3. Drying and Ironing the Clothes: Allow the clothes to dry completely. Once dry, iron them to remove any wrinkles and achieve the desired stiffness.

Benefits of Starching Clothes

Starching clothes for welding offers several benefits:

1. Improved Protection against Heat and Sparks: Starched clothes provide an additional layer of protection against the intense heat and sparks generated during welding, reducing the risk of burns and fabric damage.
2. Prolonged Lifespan of Clothing: Starching clothes can significantly increase the lifespan of welding garments by preventing premature wear and tear. This saves welders money by reducing the frequency of clothing replacements.

Potential Drawbacks When Welders Starch Their Clothes

Despite the benefits, there are a few drawbacks and considerations to keep in mind when starching clothes for welding:

• Stiffness of Starched Clothes: Starching clothes can make them feel stiff, which some welders may find uncomfortable. It’s essential to find a balance between stiffness and flexibility to ensure comfort without compromising protection.
• Appropriate Use of Starching Methods: Different fabrics and clothing types may require different starching methods. It’s important to follow manufacturer guidelines and choose the appropriate technique for the specific clothing item.
• Washing and Maintenance: Starched clothes may require specific washing and maintenance procedures to maintain their stiffness and fire-resistant properties. Always follow the garment care instructions to ensure longevity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, welders starch their clothes to enhance fire resistance, prevent sparks from sticking, and improve the durability of their welding garments. Starching clothes provides an additional layer of protection against the hazards of welding while prolonging the lifespan of the clothing. It is important for welders to choose the appropriate starching method and follow proper maintenance procedures to ensure the garments remain effective and comfortable throughout their use.

FAQs

Q: Why do welders wear protective clothing?

A: Welders wear protective clothing to shield themselves from the hazards associated with welding, such as heat, sparks, and molten metal. It helps prevent burns and other injuries.

Q: Is starching clothes necessary for welding?

A: Starching clothes is not necessary for welding, but it can offer additional benefits such as improved fire resistance and increased durability of the clothing.

Q: Can I use other methods to enhance clothing durability?

A: Yes, besides starching, there are other methods to enhance clothing durability, such as using flame-resistant fabrics, reinforcing high-friction areas, and proper maintenance.

Q: What type of starch should I use?

A: The type of starch to use depends on personal preference and the desired level of stiffness. There are various starch sprays and fabric enhancers available in the market.

Q: How often should I starch my welding clothes?

A: The frequency of starching clothes for welding depends on individual preference and the level of stiffness desired. Some welders may choose to starch their clothes before each use, while others do it less frequently based on their specific needs.

Q: Does starch shrink clothes?

A: Yes starching may tighten the fabric as a result the clothes are shrinked.