Fibre reactive dye is used to permanently color cellulose fibers, such as cotton, linen, and rayon, by following a specific multi-step process. This process includes preparing the fabric, mixing the dye, and setting the dye with salt and soda ash. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Steps for Using Fiber Reactive Dye
This process ensures that the dye bonds effectively with the fibers for long-lasting, vibrant colors.
1. Pre-Wash the Fabric
- Importance: Before dyeing, it's crucial to pre-wash your fabric to remove any sizing, oils, or residues that might interfere with dye absorption.
- Process: Wash the fabric using a mild detergent, and then rinse it thoroughly.
2. Dissolve the Dye
- Preparation: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dissolving your specific fibre reactive dye. This often involves using a small amount of warm water to create a concentrated paste or solution.
- Caution: Ensure the dye is completely dissolved to avoid clumps or uneven coloring.
3. Add Salt to Water
- Purpose: Salt helps the dye adhere to the fabric.
- Process: Dissolve non-iodized salt completely in lukewarm (around 105ºF) tap water. The amount of salt is usually specified in dye instructions and can vary by weight or volume of water and fabric.
- Mixing: Mix well.
4. Add Fabric to Dye Bath
- Submersion: Place your pre-wetted fabric into the prepared dye bath, ensuring it's fully submerged and can move freely.
- Even Coloration: The fabric should be moved around to make sure dye has equal access to all areas.
5. Add Soda Ash
- Fixation: Soda ash (also called sodium carbonate) raises the pH of the dye bath and activates the fiber-reactive dye, causing it to bond permanently with the fabric.
- Process: Add the soda ash to the dye bath according to dye instructions, mixing well to ensure it's dispersed evenly.
- Time: Keep the fabric in the dye bath for the specified time.
6. Rinse and Wash
- Removal: After the dyeing time is complete, rinse the fabric thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear.
- Washing: Wash the fabric with a mild detergent in warm water. This helps to remove any excess dye that didn’t bond to the fabric.
- Finishing: Consider washing the dyed fabric on its own for the first few washes to ensure no excess dye transfers to other items.
By following these steps, you can achieve beautiful, vibrant, and long-lasting results when using fiber reactive dye.
