whats the bets way to protect paintwork etc. when welding nearby?
nearly set the garage alight using an old sheet !!

what can i use?

are very good

I normally use old bath towel but I soak them in water first. Prevents fires but you do get the odd damp elbow.

yep, was going to use damp towels, but i'd have to lay them over the under-dash loom.

not ideal for lots of water!

try putting a sheet of polythene down first then the damp towel just make sure the damp towel covers the polythene so the edges can't melt.

Just don't neglect the dampness of the towel, and keep some water handy to keep it damp.

The other way is plenty of antisplatter spray. this removes the splatter (or at least it should) which would damage paint further from the weld.
Paint close to the weld is going to be damaged by heat no matter what you try.