What brand of Stiffener?

[Iluvbows]

I have tried Stiffen stuff and I hate the dang spray bottle! It clogs about half way thru even when I rinse all the parts. I love how stiff my bows are with it. I tried hairspray but it does not seem to make them all that stiff. Is there another brand that won't clog all the time? If I use more hair spray will it make the bows sticky?

[Amber427]

Can you buy a different spray bottle?

I use the spray starch. I don't like my bows super stiff- so just a light spray works for me.

[lilredsmiles]

Maybe I'm a cheap-o, but I use Stay-Flo liquid starch from my local grocery store. It comes in a generous-sized blue jug. I add half starch & half water to a generic spray bottle. The stuff works GREAT. It doesn't change the color of the fabric, it doesn't smell, and so far it hasn't clogged my spray bottle.

Okay, I'll admit it. I am a cheap-o. I spray my bows in a Gladware container, then turn the spray bottle upside down & spray to empty the nozzle (by spraying all the starch in the tube & nozzle out - this prevents clogging), then I unscrew the top and dump all the overspray back in the bottle. Very little waste. Very little cost.

Sooooo do any of you guys cheat and use a hair dryer, or put your bows in the oven to speed up drying???

~Shelley

[~kate~]

Some great tips there Shelley thanks I think the dryer idea is a good one.

[J.Marie Designs]

I use Stiffen Quick and hang them upside down from my kitchen blinds.

[tanyat]

I lay mine over the floor vents.. Never thought of using the oven though!

[Bowlady101]

Actually I use a $15 can of Matrix Hairspray! I have had it for a while because I rarely use hairspray so i decided to put it to good use. It works great! But I will not buy it just for bows.... once this can is gone I will go to a much cheapier kind

[lilredsmiles]

I love this group! You gals are so full of great info. Using the heat register and blinds (esp if if it's hot outside!) are a great ( & cheap!) way to dry starch quicker!

~Shell

[MTBows]

Does everyone dilute the Stiffen Stuff? I have a bottle here but haven't tried it yet.

[homeschoolmom]

I too use stay-flo starch 1/2 and 1/2!!! It works great- I have used a hair dryer and have set them outside in the sun for a few minutes to dry quick when I am in a hurry to beat the post man...LOL Most of the time I just let them dry in the laundry room. I have also done the oven and it will really hold. I also spray my korker with starch before I put it in the oven.
Samantha