For solid shade dyeing of Cotton, Linen, Rayon and other cellulose fibers. Always do test samples before working on a large project. For additional information, visit our website at www.prochemical.com.
Supplies
Diazol Direct Dye Powder
Common Salt
Synthrapol
Metaphos (use if you have hard water)
PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash
Retayne (optional)
Procedure
1. Scour the fabric by machine washing in HOT 140oF
(60oC) water, or by hand in a pot on the stove with ½ tsp (2 gm) PRO Dye
Activator or Soda Ash and ½ tsp (2.5 ml) Synthrapol per pound of fabric (454 gm, or 3 to
4 yards cotton muslin, or 8 yards 8mm China Silk, or 3 Medium T-shirts, or 1 sweatshirt).
Rinse thoroughly. This step does not add the dye fixative to the fabric; it prepares your
fabric for dyeing by removing any dirt, oil or sizing.
2. Dissolve dye powder. Measure the dissolve desired amount of dye powder, from the chart below, in 2 cups (500 ml) room temperature 75o to 95oF (24o to 35oC) water and set aside.
For each pound (454 g) of dry fabric use:
Pale |
Medium |
Dark |
Black |
|
| Dye Powder | ¼ tsp (0.5 gm) | 1 tsp (2.25 gm) | 3½ tsp (9 gm) | 5½ tsp (13.5 gm) |
| PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash | 2½ Tbl (22.7 gm) | 2½ Tbl (22.7 gm) | 2½ Tbl (22.7 gm) | 2½ Tbl (22.7 gm) |
| Synthrapol | 1/8 tsp (0.9 ml) | 1/8 tsp (0.9 ml) | 1/8 tsp (0.9 ml) | 1/8 tsp (0.9 ml) |
| Metaphos (optional) | 1¼ tsp (9 gm) | 1¼ tsp (9 gm) | 1¼ tsp (9 gm) | 1¼ tsp (9 gm) |
| Common Salt | 1½ Tbl (22.7 gm) | 2 Tbl (31.8 gm) | 3 Tbl (45.4 gm) | 6 Tbl (90.8 gm) |
| Water | 2 ½ gallons (10 liters) | 2 ½ gallons (10 liters) | 2 ½ gallons (10 liters) | 2 ½ gallons (10 liters) |
3. Prepare dye bath by measuring 2½ gallons (10 liters) of room temperature 75o to 95oF (24o to 35oC) water for every pound (454 gm) of fabric into a large plastic, stainless steel, enamel or non-reactive metal container. Container should be large enough for the fabric to move freely and to stir the dye bath without spilling.
4. Add PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash, Synthrapol and Metaphos (optional, use if you have hard water) to the dye bath and stir until dissolved. Add dissolved dye and stir. Add washed and damp fabric. Stir continuously for even results for 3 to 5 minutes. Raise the temperature to a boil over a 30 minute period while stirring occasionally.
5. Dissolve the salt (from chart above) in warm water. Slowly add the salt in 3 equal parts with 5 minutes between additions*. Dye for an additional 20 minutes at a boil. Turn off heat and let the fabric continue to dye for an additional 15 minutes. Carefully pour the dye bath down the drain and rinse the dyed fabric in cool water.
* For easy to dye fabrics, add all the salt at beginning of the dye bath.
6. Set the dye. Refill your dye pot with 7 ½ gallons (30 liters) of 140oF (60oC) water. Add 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) of Retayne for each pound of fabric. Add the fabric. Swish your fabric around in the hot Retayne bath for 20 minutes with a spoon or wooden dowel. After 20 minutes, rinse with cold water and dry at once, in your dryer.
NOTE: Launder fabric treated with Retayne in warm water with a cold rinse. Do not wash it in hot water.
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