Acid Dyes Manufacturers Recipe

The dye recipes included in this post are for dyeing protein fibres such as silk and wool using Acid dyes (a synthetic dye which is set with vinegar or citric acid). We hope you will find the  acid dye instructions helpful.

The following dye recipes are for dyeing wool, silk, fur, feathers, soya bean fibre, angora, cashmere with Acid Dyes. Although they can be used to dye nylon, acid dyes are not effective on synthetics. They are fixed to the fibre with either vinegar or citric acid (hence the name ‘Acid’).

Before dyeing, it is important to check whether the item is ‘Prepared for Dyeing’ (PFD) or requires scouring to remove any grease, oil or starch. Run a few droplets of cold water onto the fabric. If they soak in quickly, no scour is necessary. To remove starches, size and oils, add 5mls of Synthrapol (a non-ionic detergent) along with 2-3 litres of water for each 100g of material. Stir gently over a 15 min period, and then rinse thoroughly in warm water. It is possible to use household detergent, but the alkaline residue may affect the final colour or wash fastness.

Making a Stock Solution

It helps to prepare a stock solution of these dyes to a known strength per litre. Some dyes are fairly difficult to get into solution and may form a tar like ball first. The stock solution of Acid dyes has a shelf life of around six months. The Acid dye powder does not always dissolve fully in the cold, or may precipitate on cooling or when left to stand. Always stir the stock dye solution well before use since some sedimentation may occur. Over time a mould may form on the surface, skim it off, and heat the dye stock to boiling to kill the spores, the dye will not be affected.

1. Typically, the quantities of Acid dye used, including black, range from 0.25g to 2.0g for each 100g of dry material. These quantities will create colours ranging from pale to deeper shades.
2. The dye is in powder form. It is easier to measure small quantities of solutions than of powders – particularly if you use syringes. Make up the powder into a stock solution – 1% is a convenient level (i.e. 5g in ½ litre of water).
3. Mix the Acid dye powder to a paste first in a small amount of warm water or methylated spirit, then dissolve thoroughly in boiling water. Top up to the chosen volume when cold.
4. Before dyeing, it is important to check whether the fabric is ‘Prepared for Dyeing’ (PFD) or requires scouring to remove any grease, oil or starch. Run a few droplets of cold water onto the fabric. If they soak in quickly, no scour is necessary. To remove starches, size and oils, add 5mls of Synthrapol (a non-ionic detergent) along with 2-3 litres of water for each 100g of material. Stir gently over a 15 min period, and then rinse thoroughly in warm water. It is possible to use household detergent, but the alkaline residue may affect the final colour or wash fastness.