fireproofing kilts

[tripleblessed]

Some may have noticed my mind is like a Goodwill store of weird and useless information, but occasionally something usable surfaces. In all the references to acrylic kilts and fire, something nibbled at the back of my brain about how we were occasionally checked by fire marshals _ a lit match or lighter might be held to scenery to see if it would burn. Tonight it surfaced. Sal ammoniac. Googled sal ammoniac fireproofing, and voila:

http://books.google.com/books?id=KFl...page&q&f=false

http://chestofbooks.com/reference/He...-Textiles.html

Just two links to workable solutions that may ease concern about flammability. I have no knowledge on whether staining or discoloration may affect your kilt. Cautious testing advised, in an unobtrusive spot. I know it was used on sets already prepared for the stage, so it should work.

A quote from the first link if you'd rather:
14.Steep the fabric in almost any saline solution, such as borax, alum, sal ammoniac, etc. The addition of about 1oz. alum or sal ammoniac to the last water used to rinse a lady's dress, or set of bed furniture, or the addition of a less quantity to the starch used to stiffen them, renders them uninflammable, or at least so little combustible that they will not readily take fire, and if kindled, will not burst into flame.

[Whidbey78]

There was a thread about this some time back. A little over a year ago I believe.

I seem to recall someone on the forum actually testing this out too, but I could be thinking about Mythbusters, Mr. Wizard, or Bill Nye the Science Guy. Teeth and memory weaken with age.

[kc8ufv]

There was a thread about this some time back. A little over a year ago I believe.

I seem to recall someone on the forum actually testing this out too, but I could be thinking about Mythbusters, Mr. Wizard, or Bill Nye the Science Guy. Teeth and memory weaken with age.

Of your selections, I seem to recall the late Don Herbert demonstrating that at least in his 2nd TV series (which I only caught in reruns as a small child), though, I wouldn't put it past Mythbusters, though they wouldn't give as thorough of an explanation. I liked his way of throwing the rule book out the window (but never compromising the safety standards of the time) when dealing with chemicals and kids.

[Chas]

The thing to remember is that if a flammable liquid is spilled on any woven fabric, the fabric will act like a wick. So it might not be the kilt burning, it could be what has splashed on it.

Regards

Chas