Concentrated Acid Dyes

For Protein fibres:  Wool, Mohair, Angora, Fur, Feathers, Camel, Silk and Nylon. Colour fast – Light fast – Permanent – Easy to use Intermixable Fixing is simple – use either Acid Dye Fixer or White Vinegar. Acid dyes do not contain acid.  In fact they have a neutral ph similar to water. The term ‘acidic’ refers to the mild acid salts or white vinegar used as a fixative.

Approximate Shade Guide Per 100gms Fabric (Dry Weight)

Apart from correct dye quantity, the above need only be used as a guide  – (varying amounts of fixer/vinegar used, or using both together will not cause any problem). Acid Dye Fixer is available from Colourcraft C & A Limited. For deep shades the addition of vinegar helps promote complete exhaustion of dye onto fabric (i.e. water goes clear). Using the Fixer provided by Colourcraft C & A Limited assists level dyeing

Preparation

Weigh the fabric (dry weight) – refer to shade guide above for amount of dye and fixer to use (e.g. for 1kg (2.25 lbs) dry weight fabric- use 15gm of dye for a medium shade. Pre-wash fabric to remove any lanolin/manufacturer’s finishes in warm water and detergent/Colsperse. Rinse thoroughly – leave to soak in cool water. (See hints and tips re temperatures for wool dyeing)

Applying the Colour/Washing Out

1. In a separate container, weigh the dye and add to a small amount of very hot water – mix thoroughly with a spoon until fully dissolved.
2. Fill a metal container (dye bath) with enough cold water to allow fabric to move freely .
3. Add pre-mixed dye – mix well into water in pan – then add the wet fabric and agitate gently but thoroughly – continue gently agitating fabric throughout dyeing process.
4. Heat water – after 10/15 mins carefully lift fabric out of pan and add vinegar/fixer and mix thoroughly.
5. Return fabric to pan.
6. Bring water to the boil (For silk 85°C).
7. Simmer for at least 30 minutes stirring gently at regular intervals.
8. If water remains highly coloured, carefully remove fabric and add a little extra vinegar/fixer and mix thoroughly.
9. Return fabric to pan and simmer for 5 more minutes.
10. Remove fabric from dye bath. Wash in soap and warm water.

Microwave Dyeing

Prepare as above

1. Pour enough warm water to cover fabric/yarn into a microwavable bowl or bag. (make sure there is enough room for the fabric/yarn to move about)
2. Pre-mix dye as before and add to container/bag. Mix thoroughly.
3. Add vinegar and mix well.
4. Add fabric/yarn to bowl/bag.
5. Cover with a lid/fold over top of bag.  Place in microwave. (place a small jar of water in the microwave to help maintain a steamy atmosphere)
6. Set microwave on High (800w) for 4 minutes.  Turn container and cook again for 4 minutes.
7. Remove from microwave.  Allow fabric/yarn to cool for 10/15 minutes.  Rinse with tepid water.
8. Gently squeeze out excess dye.  Wash in warm water.
9. Finish with a warm wash – rinse, dry and iron.

Space Dyeing

To achieve different effects try the following:

Prepare as above

1. Add water to a microwavable bowl or bag as above.
2. Add vinegar to water and mix well.
3. Place fabric/yarn in bowl/bag.
4. Mix several colours of dye in small pots.
5. Using a pipette/syringe apply the dye colours randomly to the fabric/yarn ensuring all areas of fabric/yarn are covered.
6. Cover with a lid/fold over top of bag and dye as before.

Colourcraft C & A Limited Shade It (Optional – For Use With Darker Colours)

Create any number of shades quickly and easily by adding our Shade-it Medium to either the AllinOne or Concentrated Acid Dye ranges. Shade-it controls the rate of dye transfer onto the fabric making it much easier to achieve a particular shade. It also helps the dye go on to the fabric evenly resulting in level dyeing. Stir into the dye bath after the dye crystals then continue as per above instructions.

Amounts Of Shade-It Required Per 100g Fabric/3 Litres Of Water

Stir into the dye bath after the pre-mixed dye.   Continue as per above instructions.

Hints and Tips

Acid dyes are specifically manufactured for use on wool, alpaca, angora, fur, feathers and other protein fibres – the results are fantastic – it is sudden extremes of temperature that need to be avoided as this causes wool to shock and felt – i.e. gradually heat up and cool down the dye bath – rinse out in warm water rather than removing from a hot water dye bath and rinsing in cold water.

It is a good idea to add a water softener e.g. Calgon in hard water areas. Create infinite shades – from pastels to very strong colours by varying the dye strength and also using our Shade It Medium.

Even Dyeing

It is important that the wool/fabric is pre-washed and also thoroughly wet before adding to the dye bath. Ensure the dye is thoroughly mixed in to the water in the metal container (dye bath) before adding the fabric – mix the dye granules with very hot water until thoroughly dissolved. Is the metal container large enough to allow free movement of the fabric and avoid dye becoming trapped in folds of fabric? If you are experiencing difficulty achieving even, level dyeing, try using Colourcraft Acid Milling Fixer to begin with – this releases acid more slowly allowing the dyes to work more effectively.  Dissolve fixer in a small amount of warm (not hot) water before adding to the dye bath. If there is still a lot of dye left at the end/the colour doesn’t seem to be exhausting – carefully lift fabric out of pan – add some additional vinegar – mix in thoroughly – return fabric to pan

Making up a stock solution:  As the temperature cools some acid dyes fall out of solution – Re-heat all the solution before using again.  Use within 3 – 4 weeks of mixing up.

Safety In Use

Care should be taken when handling dyes/chemicals – the use of rubber gloves and protective clothing is recommended.  Precautions must be taken to avoid accidental ingestion, inhalation and skin & eye contact.  Keep containers closed and away from young children. 

Information contained in this publication or as otherwise supplied is believed to be accurate and is given in good faith, but without guarantee as we have no control over conditions of use and individual application.