Starch. Is it all equal?
08-06-2014, 03:18 PM
#21
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I don't believe this is true, I think it is starch. The MSDS sheet for Best Press says it's in the "starch family". I think they clarify the starch to make it clear; add perfumes, dyes, and a surfactant to make it absorb quicker; and market it in specialty stores like quilt and fabric shops instead of the grocery store. They can call it an "alternative" because it gives us a choice over the standard starches we've been using for years. 
The marketing of Best Press is ambiguous. I have a bottle here that says "The Clear Starch Alternative". That could mean different things -- for example (1) that it is a clear starch instead of a white starch, or (2) that it is clearly an alternative to starch (ergo, not starch), or (3) that it is an alternative to starch that happens to be clear. I never even thought of the first meaning until you brought it up.
Maybe it's in-between. An organically-based sizing.........
Edit: Should add that I have a bottle of Best Press here that was given to me about a year ago. I haven't used it, but it is more than half empty from evaporation. I think that is because of the alcohol in it. Spray starch, Sta-Flo, and starches mixed from powders do not typically contain alcohol and also don't evaporate. So, for me, it is difficult to classify Best Press as a starch; it acts much more like a sizing.
Last edited by Prism99; 08-06-2014 at 03:23 PM.
08-07-2014, 04:04 AM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: North Wales UK
Posts: 2,028
I have recently starting using Starch and love it, I am using "Faultless" as it a third of the price of Best Press for twice the amount! The difference with a couple of cans will buy me a cone of thread or maybe a FQ or two!
08-07-2014, 06:10 AM
#23
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
I have never tried Best Press because I am happy with a product called Magic Sizing that unfortunately seems to be available only at the super Walmart. It doesn't have any of the white flakes when pressing too soon and is light body without the stiffness.
08-07-2014, 09:38 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 440
Wow! $12.00 for 8.4oz??? Can't afford that one.
I bought the new Flatter spray. I like it better the Best Press. The best starch to use is Oxford and Wells. I buy it at Amazon. I use Sta Flo to make extra heavy starch. I use extra heavy when there are small pieces to cut and sew. There are many options available for everyone.
08-07-2014, 10:16 AM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: South of Chicago, IL
Posts: 322
Sizing spray is available at the Dollar stores (Dollar Tree, It's a Dollar, etc.). It is not Magic Sizing brand, but it works the same. And, Magic Sizing can be found at Dollar General; it is the light body sizing.
08-07-2014, 11:08 AM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: North Fork Ca
Posts: 8,234
I always use Best Press before I cut a fabric. It cuts smoother and my lines are straighter and the machine loves it. Seems to add just enough and if not, I can always Best Press in layers till it suits me
08-07-2014, 11:17 AM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
I was told by a tailor that the preservatives in starch prevents it from attracting bugs, so I don't worry about it, and no bugs.
08-07-2014, 01:42 PM
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Rocky Mountains of Idaho
Posts: 1,454
I wrote about starching techniques a few years ago but you might find these thoughts of mine still relevant and perhaps amusing:
http://marcusfabrics.com/features/qu.../#.U-Paw6OTK68
http://marcusfabrics.com/features/qu.../#.U-Paw6OTK68
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