Pigments are insoluble colorants used to color textiles. Unlike dyes, which penetrate the fibers, pigments sit on the surface of the fabric. They are finely ground powders, often less than 0.01 microns in size [1, Snippet from textilelearner.net]. This means pigment coloration is essentially a surface printing technique [Snippet from ctnbee.com]. The color is essentially "painted" onto the fabric. A binding agent is usually necessary to adhere the pigment to the fibers [Snippet from screenprinting.com, Snippet from mimaki.com]. This results in a slightly different hand feel compared to dye-colored fabrics; some describe it as feeling more like paint than traditional dye [Snippet from shirtspace.com, Snippet from Dharma Pigment Dye].
Types and Properties of Textile Pigments
Pigments are used in various textile applications, including printing, continuous dyeing, garment dyeing, and coating [Snippet from dystar.com]. The process of applying pigment to garments often occurs after the garment is cut and sewn [Snippet from screenprinting.com]. Specific examples include Mimaki textile pigment inks that use a binder and binding agent to fix the color upon heating [Snippet from mimaki.com], and Dharma Pigment Dye, a concentrated, non-toxic pigment system [Snippet from Dharma Pigment Dye]. The final product, as in the Maharam Luce textile, can be used in various applications like upholstery and paneling [Snippet from maharam.com].
Pigments vs. Dyes
A key distinction between pigments and dyes is solubility: dyes dissolve in water, while pigments do not [Snippet from productip.com]. This difference significantly affects how they bond with fabric fibers and the resulting appearance and durability of the color. Many resources describe pigment dyeing as more akin to painting the fabric, whereas dyeing involves the color penetrating the fibers [Snippet from shirtspace.com].
