Immersion Dye Technique
What if there is a simple & easy way to change the color of your cotton fabrics?
About Immersion Dye
Immersion dye is easy & simple, utilizing Pro-MX Reactive Dyes, which works best when dying materials such as cotton, linen, & rayon. This method will not work on mixed-material or synthetic fibers.
The recipe that is given below is for approximately 1lb of goods and should be adjusted according to the exact weight to conserve supplies and to achieve accurate dye results. If you are looking for specific results, do a test sample first.
Supplies
PRO MX Reactive Dye
Synthrapol
Common Salt (Glauber Salt preferred)
Soda Ash
Directions
Scour the fabric in hot tap water and 1⁄2 tsp of Synthrapol to remove sizing, dirt, and oils. You can also boil the
material in a mild mixture of hot water and Soda Ash. Fabric must be rinsed of Synthrapol/Soda Ash before
printing. Ensure the goods are entirely wetted out to even penetration of dyes.Dissolve dye powder. Measure the desired amount of dye powder, from the chart below, in 2 cups (500 ml)
room temperature 75° to 95°F (24° to 35°C) water and set aside.Using the chart at the end of the directions, measure the appropriate amount of salt and soda ash for your dye shade. Note; these measurements are for one pound of goods. Paste out the salt and soda ash in separate containers with
hot water.DO NOT ADD TO DYE BATH UNTIL PROMPTED.
Add just enough water to a 5-gallon bucket, tub, or pot for the fabric to float freely. Dissolve salt paste in water and add dye powder mix when the salt is fully dissolved.
Add washed, damp fabric and soak for 10-15 minutes, agitating regularly.
While wearing rubber gloves remove the fabric from the dye bath and pour in the dissolved soda ash paste. Give it a stir and return the fabric to the dye bath. Stir continuously for the first 5 minutes. Then, give a stir every 5 minutes for the next 60 minutes. This will insure maximum permanence and depth of shade. For the evenest dye results, stir constantly during the first 30 minutes of the dye bath. For deep or black colors, extend soak time to 90 minutes or far longer, up to a few days for black.
Rinse & wash. After 60 minutes (or longer, for dark tones), 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 75° to 95°F (24° to 35°C) water. Change the rinse water 3 to 4 times. Wash in HOT 140°F (60°C) water, adding 2 tsp (2.5 ml) Synthrapol per pound (454 g) 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.
