Pharoah
10-27-2007, 11:10 PM
I am not a chemist~ Just someone who likes to play with colors :) So I usually work with Fiber Reactive Procion Dyes.
There are LOTS of Carcinogens in dye, but it is really only toxic if you inhale the powder and/or fumes. So caution should be used as well as GLOVES, and A FACE MASK. Do this outside or in an open area. You can even use goggles if you like in addition to the two mentioned above... Also never ever use anything to eat in once you have used it to mix dye.
OK Don't be scared you can start small! Many craft stores carry the tye dye kits using procion dyes. First try using one of those. Or you can find some at www.dharmatrading.com (http://www.dharmatrading.com/) They also have a great Ideas and projects section.
Or This is what you will need to get started~
1 yard or so of(cotton, hemp, rayon, or natural fiber)fabric or equal article of clothing
1 or 2 colors of Procion dyes (colors of your choosing) 4-8 teaspoons
Salt 1/2 cup
Soda Ash Fixer 1/2 cup
Urea (optional but recommeded) 1 tablespoon
1/2 gallon of water or so
Here is a simple less mess tie dye effect that I like~
You can make a mix w/ warm water, salt, soda ash, and urea in a bucket small enough to fit the article of clothing you want to dye in the bottom. Take about 2 cups (16 oz) of this chemical mix and put it to the side. Add the first color to the bottom of the bucket, then mash the fabric down~ there should still be white parts of the fabric showing on top, then you can add your other color to the rest of the chemical water, stir and add to the top of the fabric. I like to let the colors go where they want but you can mash the fabric down if you feel the need. DIfferent fabrics will hold the color differently than others.
For A solid Dye~
Procion dye
urea
soda ash fixer
salt
To Tub dye I get crazy and usually throw all the ingredients above into the washing machine (in the appropriate amounts) using a small load on a hot setting. Be sure to put the fabric in last once the mixing starts. LEAVE THE LID UP on the washing machine, and you might want to cover it with an old towel or something to keep the dye from splashing out. then once a half hour has passed close the lid and let it finish all the cycles :) The fabric isnt tie dyed but it is more of a solid color. Its always fun to experiment though, so have fun with it!
If toxic dyes arent your thing try working with staining fabric, try using coffee, juice, or other common stain makers to change the color of fabric. When grannies Pomegranite tree is givin us lots of pomegranites I would use the juice to stain muslin a nice light pink by soaking the fabric. It was alot of work but so rewarding.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
There are LOTS of Carcinogens in dye, but it is really only toxic if you inhale the powder and/or fumes. So caution should be used as well as GLOVES, and A FACE MASK. Do this outside or in an open area. You can even use goggles if you like in addition to the two mentioned above... Also never ever use anything to eat in once you have used it to mix dye.
OK Don't be scared you can start small! Many craft stores carry the tye dye kits using procion dyes. First try using one of those. Or you can find some at www.dharmatrading.com (http://www.dharmatrading.com/) They also have a great Ideas and projects section.
Or This is what you will need to get started~
1 yard or so of(cotton, hemp, rayon, or natural fiber)fabric or equal article of clothing
1 or 2 colors of Procion dyes (colors of your choosing) 4-8 teaspoons
Salt 1/2 cup
Soda Ash Fixer 1/2 cup
Urea (optional but recommeded) 1 tablespoon
1/2 gallon of water or so
Here is a simple less mess tie dye effect that I like~
You can make a mix w/ warm water, salt, soda ash, and urea in a bucket small enough to fit the article of clothing you want to dye in the bottom. Take about 2 cups (16 oz) of this chemical mix and put it to the side. Add the first color to the bottom of the bucket, then mash the fabric down~ there should still be white parts of the fabric showing on top, then you can add your other color to the rest of the chemical water, stir and add to the top of the fabric. I like to let the colors go where they want but you can mash the fabric down if you feel the need. DIfferent fabrics will hold the color differently than others.
For A solid Dye~
Procion dye
urea
soda ash fixer
salt
To Tub dye I get crazy and usually throw all the ingredients above into the washing machine (in the appropriate amounts) using a small load on a hot setting. Be sure to put the fabric in last once the mixing starts. LEAVE THE LID UP on the washing machine, and you might want to cover it with an old towel or something to keep the dye from splashing out. then once a half hour has passed close the lid and let it finish all the cycles :) The fabric isnt tie dyed but it is more of a solid color. Its always fun to experiment though, so have fun with it!
If toxic dyes arent your thing try working with staining fabric, try using coffee, juice, or other common stain makers to change the color of fabric. When grannies Pomegranite tree is givin us lots of pomegranites I would use the juice to stain muslin a nice light pink by soaking the fabric. It was alot of work but so rewarding.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!