Patch question

[billk]

Why do I need to wash the fabric before I lube it and use it for patch material? Does washing alter its thickness? Should I let it dry naturally or in the dryer?
Thank you,
Billk

 

[Blizzard of '93]

Many do wash the patch material to 'remove sizing and bleaching'. I do myself, works for me.
I just let it air-dry.

 

[2172]

agree with Blizzard...if you use the dryer, you're likely to get a lot of "fringe"...I just dry mine naturally...no need to let the wife know that I can operate laundry equipment..Hank

 

[jtmattison]

I wash mine twice in hot water and mild soap. I dry it on high heat in the dryer. I think it shrinks the fabric tightening the weave. I do get a bit of fraying on the edges but after trimming it is a minimal loss of material. In my opinion, washed material accepts lube better than unwashed.

HD

 

[k.jacobfrost]

Hey Huntin Dawg,

If you have a sewing machine you can put a simple zig zag stitch on the unfinished edges before you wash it and it will take care of the fraying problem. It also only takes about a minuet or so to do as well.

Frost

 

[merdean]

Wash it to remove sizing. Dry it how ever you want. Just make sure you wash the factory crud off.

 

[rabbit03]

AMEN

rabbit03

 

[CrackStock]

I do it to get rid of the starch in it and the shrink it tighter.

However, you can try it both ways and then decide.

CS

 

[paulvallandigham]

I think people are NUTS if they don't wash the fabric before trying to lube it. You can see the patchiness, and streaks even as you use a putty knife to lay on the lube! If you think that fabric does not have starch, and other stuff in it for sizing, you really need to wash some, air dry it, and then compare one that is washed to one that isn't.

I am not all that happy with the fabric that is sold in the unlubed pre-cut patches that we buy. I think that stuff also needs to be washed to get out sizing and starch. Its just very difficult to wash those without some kind of net to holdthe little patches. I am thinking of cutting off a square of cheese cloth, putting the pre-cut patches in the cheesecloth, tying it up to hold them, and then throw the bundle in the washer. Any body have a better idea?

 

[capt jack]

Paul , I don't use precut patches . I buy materal for both my shooting patches and my wiping patches . I pre wash both . Shooting patches are pre-lubed in strips , then cut at the muzzle . But my wiping patches , I cut from flannel in 2" squares . After there used , {I wipe after every shot} I place them in a small mesh chum bag{any tackel shop should have them}and then toss them in the wash then dryer . Make SURE the bag is tied tight! My wiping patches will last 3-4 washings , then they get used for oiling or brass polish

 

[Bon Sauvage]

That method will certainly work but I recommend that you go to a Dollar Store and buy some of those zip up mesh bags that the ladies put their bras in prior to placing them into the wash machine. They work great!

 

[Big John]

A pair of the wife's panty hose will do the trick!

 

[xxgrampa]

master blaster,

do you put the patches in the wifes pantyhose while shes wearing them??? :rotf: :blah:

..tttfn..grampa..

 

[longcruise]

I wash mine twice and either air dry or tumble dry. It definetly tightens the weave.

If you don't wash your patch material, think about this. Most of the stuff you might buy for patching comes from China or other foreign countries. Have you ever noticed some of the funny smells coming from the cloth dept or from the patch material you just bought. That smell is insecticides and the chances that your patch material has been treated is pretty high :shocked2:

Especially a concern if you spit patch. :shocked2:

Here's another thought for you spit patchers. Ever notice if you are casting or shooting or just handling a lot of lead balls that you get a gray stain on your hands? Thats lead! :shocked2: When you spit patch you are eating some of that lead!