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The Suede Look using PRO MX Reactive Dyes

Please read directions carefully before starting.

Producing the "Suede Look" on cotton fabrics is relatively easy. Always do test samples before working on a large project. For additional information, visit our website at www.prochemical.com.

Supplies
PRO MX Dye Powder
PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash
Synthrapol Common Salt
Metaphos ( water softener): optional - use if you have hard water)

Procedure
1. Start with heavier weight muslin fabric. If desired, the surface may be sanded with coarse sandpaper to raise a nap on the face of the fabric. This is optional.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Your selection of colors will be important. Best result will be obtained using medium to deep shades of subdued colors. A good selection is listed below:

 

511N Chocolate Brown

 520 Brick 2215 Rust Orange
5209 Khaki 5214 Havana Brown 4148 Lapis
316 Burgundy 8136 Raspberry 8147 Deep Purple
4210 Midnight Blue 4222 Teal 7207 Dark Green
8153 Plum   7182 Olive Drab 608 Black
7218 Kilt Green   6159 Blue Grey  

                     For each pound (454 g) of dry fabric use:
Pale Medium Dark Black
Dye Powder 1 tsp (2.5 gm) 3 tsp (7.5 gm) 6 tsp (15 gm) 12 tsp (30 gm)
Salt 1 lb (454 gm) 1½ lb (680 gm) 2 lb (900 gm) 2 lb (900 gm)
Dye Activator 5 Tbl (45 gm) 5 Tbl (45 gm) 7 Tbl (65 gm) 7 Tbl (65 gm)

3. Prepare dye bath by measuring 1¾ gallons (7 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. Using less water for the dye-bath and doing less stirring or agitation of the fabric, than a normal immersion dye bath, will result in a appearance on the finished fabric and hence the "Suede Look".

4. Add salt (see chart above) and 1 level tsp (7 gm) Metaphos (optional, water softener) to the dye bath and stir until dissolved. Add dissolved dye and stir.

5. Fabric is scrunched up and placed in dye bath. For a maximum mottled look, PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash may be added to dye bath before adding scrunched-up fabric. Do a minimum of stirring. Note: fabric must be added to dye bath within 5 minutes of adding Activator to attain maximum color value from the dyes.

6. Completely dissolve PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash from the chart above in 2 cups (500ml) warm 95oF (35oC) water. While wearing rubber gloves remove the fabric from dye bath and pour in the dissolved PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash.

To achieve a Deep Black, extend dyeing to 90 minutes after adding PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash.

7. Rinse & wash. After 60 minutes (90 minutes, for black), dyeing is complete. Remove fabric from dye bucket and pour the exhausted dye bath down the drain. Rinse fabric thoroughly in a bucket of room temperature 75o to 95oF(24oto 35oC) water. Change the rinse water 3 to 4 times. Wash in HOT 140oF (60oC) water, adding ½ tsp (2.5 ml) Synthrapol per pound (454gm) of fabric. Rinse well and dry. Dark colors may need a second HOT Synthrapol wash. If the rinse water is not clear, then wash it again in HOT water with Synthrapol.

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