C:\Website\Pigment Dyeing.htm

PO Box 14 • Somerset, MA 02726
orders 1-800-2-BUY-DYE
technical support 508-676-3838
fax 508-676-3980
e-mail • promail@prochemical.com
www.prochemical.com

Pigment Dyeing
using PROfab Color Concentrates

Please Read Directions Carefully Before Starting

Use the PROfab Color Concentrates for Pigment Dyeing - it’s very HOT in the garment industry! The system is uncomplicated and fairly simple. It is a three bath method, where the fabric is first treated with PROtreat B4, followed by a rinse. Second is the application of the color, followed by a rinse. The third bath is the application of the binder, PROspan A plus PROspan B. No final rinse is required.

Application is best done in a front loading washing machine, but good levelness can be obtained in a top loading washing machine. The technique has been carefully established to obtain uniform results. This makes is possible to achieve tie-dye and distressed looks that are the current fashion trend. The only drawback to this process is that it stains the washing machine. Five pounds of fabric can be dyed at one time in a top loading home washing machine. Always do test samples before working on a large project. For additional information, visit our website at www.prochemical.com.

Wear rubber gloves, apron or old clothes.

All utensils used for dyeing should not be used for food preparation.

Supplies
PROfab Color Concentrates
PROtreat B-4
Synthrapol
PROspan A
PROspan B
PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash
Baking Soda

Fabric
5 pounds (2.3 kg) of dry fabric =15 adult medium T-shirts OR 5 Sweatshirts OR 20 yards Cotton Muslin

Procedure for 5 pounds (2.3 kg) of dry fabric:
1. Scour the fabric by machine washing in HOT 140^oF (60^oC) water with 2˝ tsp (10 gm) PRO Dye Activator or Soda Ash and 2˝ tsp (12.5 ml) Synthrapol per wash load. Rinse thoroughly. Fabric is ready for pigment dyeing or it can be dried and dyed later.

2. Prepare the dye bath by filling the washing machine without the fabric in the tub, on a large load and hot setting, with 140^oF (60^oC) water. Add the fabric to the tub and let the machine agitate for 2 minutes. Dilute 10 tsp or 50 ml (2.0% OWG) of PROtreat B4 in ž cup (200 ml) of warm water and add it to the machine.

3. Run 15 minutes on gentle cycle. Drain and rinse with 80^o to 90^oF (27^o to 32^oC) water.

4. Refill machine with 100^oF (38^oC) water. Dilute the desired amount of PROfab Color Concentrate from the chart below in the specified amount of warm water. With machine running, add the diluted color in 5 equal parts allowing 5 minutes of agitation between additions. Run an additional 10 minutes after the last addition of color.

	Pale	Medium	Dark	Fluorescent
Color Concentrate	10 tsp (50 ml) (2.0% OWG)	9 Tbl (140 ml) (6.0% OWG)	15 Tbl (225 ml) (10% OWG)	up to 2 cups (450 ml) (20% OWG)
Water	2 cups (500 ml)	5˝ cups (1400 ml)	9ź cups (2250 ml)	1 gallon + 1 pint (4500 ml)

5. If the color is exhausted from dye bath go to the next step. If there is some color left in bath, run an additional 10 minutes until color is absorbed.

6. Add 9 Tbl or 140 ml (6.0% OWG) of the PROspan A diluted with 2ź cups (560 ml) warm water and 5 tsp or 11 gm (0.5% OWG) of baking soda. Run the machine on a normal cycle for 10 minutes. Do not let the washing machine tub drain.

7. Add 10 tsp or 50 ml (2.0% OWG) of the PROspan B diluted with ž cup (200 ml) warm water and run the machine on a normal cycle for 10 minutes.

8. Drain the machine. Do not rinse the garments. Spin them out and dry in a clothes dryer to heat set.

NOTES: % OWG = percent on weight of garments.