Thread: Spray Starching

For Best Press I went to Sally's Beauty Supply and got a small bottle that has a trigger sprayer that has a really fine mist. It is intended for hair spray. I wanted the fine mist because Best Press is so pricey I wanted it to go further plus the fine mist covers the fabric more evenly.
For starch I use a pistol grip spray bottle (mixed 50/50 starch and water) and put my fabric in a plastic dishpan to spray it down. The dish pan keeps the spray from getting all over everything and when it dries the starch just flakes off the dishpan's surface. After I spray the fabric I roll it up and put it in a plastic bag for the starch to absorb into the fibers. This keeps my iron more clean when I press if there is less starch on the surface of the fabric. If you can't get to pressing it within a hour or so then put it in the fridge to keep mildew from forming just like they did years ago when you sprinkled clothes. Wish I still had the pop bottle with the sprinkler top on it that my mother had when I was growing up.

Actually, there is an air-spray bottle out there but I can't tell you where to buy one. I just know there is one out there. You might try to find it on-line. But also when I have lots of fabrics to starch I do soak it in the sink. You do waste some starch but I use Sta-Flo starch mixed half with water and it is lots less expensive than Best Press. It also gives a much better stiffness if that is what you like. Good luck finding the sprayer.

I sometimes switch hands. I have the spray starch in a can and it's a little tiring. I usually do a quick sweeping spray. Then fold the fabric, press with my hands then open it up again. Lay it aside to set just a little. As far as spray bottles. I find one I like then go back and get a couple more. I dilute Sta-Flo and put it into a spray bottle. I don't saturate just dampen. Folding, rolling and letting set works for me. I clean my spray bottles with a couple drops of dish soap and hot water also after using. I only use 1-2 ounces of Sta-Flo in a 32 ounce bottle if that much. I don't like my fabric stiff as a board just enough for some body.

As already suggested, a trigger-style handle will be easier to use. After open heart surgery and a crippled dominant hand as a result, I am always looking for easier solutions to such problems.