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Glossary of Dye Chemicals and Dyeing Terms

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You see many words about dye chemicals and dyes when you work with textiles, paper, or everyday chemicals. Different industries use many kinds of dyes, like natural and synthetic types. They also use different ways to dye, such as dry mechanical or wet chemical methods. Fiber-reactive dyes help you get bright colors on cotton. The glossary gives you easy definitions and examples from TIANKUN CHEM. You can use it to quickly understand every process and product.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn about different dyes. Natural dyes come from plants or animals. Synthetic dyes are made in labs. Each dye works in its own way and has special uses.

  • Pick the best dye for your fabric. Use reactive or direct dyes for cotton. Use acid dyes for wool and silk. Use disperse dyes for polyester. This helps you get the best color.

  • Pre-treatment is very important. Clean your fabric before you dye it. This helps the color go on evenly. It also helps the dye stick better. This step stops patchy colors.

  • Colorfastness is important. Test if your dye stays after washing and sunlight. High colorfastness means your colors will last longer and stay bright.

  • Batch dyeing gives you control. Dyeing a set amount at once helps you manage color depth. It also helps keep the color the same. This is good for special orders.

  • Use auxiliaries for better dyeing. Chemicals like wetting agents and fixatives help the dye spread. They also help the dye stay on the fabric.

  • Post-treatment makes colors last longer. After dyeing, wash and fix the fabric. This locks in the color and stops fading. It helps your products last longer.

  • Try different dyeing techniques. Methods like exhaust dyeing and pad dyeing give different results. Pick the method that fits your project best.

Dye Chemicals and Dyes Glossary

A–C Terms

Acid Dyes

You use acid dye to color wool and silk. This dye works best when the liquid is acidic. The dye sticks to the fiber and gives bright color. The color stays for a long time. Many companies pick acid dye for its strong shades. It also has good staying power. TIANKUN CHEM sells Skyacido Acid Dyes. These dyes help you get rich color on wool, silk, and nylon. People use acid dye in textiles, leather, and paper.

Affinity

Affinity means how well a dye sticks to a fiber. If a dye has high affinity, it holds on tight. This gives deep color. You want high affinity for color that lasts. It helps the color stay after washing and sunlight. Fiber reactive dye has strong affinity for cotton. That is why people use it a lot in textile dyeing.

Anionic Dyes

Anionic dyes have a negative charge. You use them to dye cotton, wool, and silk. These dyes mix with water and stick to fibers by attraction. Direct dyes and acid dyes are anionic dyes. You see anionic dyes in many dyeing jobs. They give good color and last a long time.

Auxiliaries

Auxiliaries are chemicals that help with dyeing. You add them to the dye bath to get better color. They help the color spread evenly and last longer. Wetting agents, dispersants, and leveling agents are auxiliaries. You use auxiliaries to make dyeing smooth and even.

Batch Dyeing

Batch dyeing means you dye a set amount at one time. You put the fabric or yarn in a dye bath. You let it soak until you get the color you want. This way, you control the shade and how long the color lasts. Batch dyeing is good for small jobs or special colors. TIANKUN CHEM dyes like Skycron Disperse Dyes work well for polyester in batch dyeing.

Basic Dyes

Basic dyes have a positive charge. You use them to dye acrylic, paper, and some plastics. These dyes give bright color but may need extra care to last. TIANKUN CHEM sells Skyzon Basic Dyes. These dyes help you get bright color on acrylic. You see basic dyes in textiles and paper.

Cellulosic Fibers

Cellulosic fibers come from plants. Cotton, linen, and viscose are examples. You use fiber reactive dye to color these fibers. It sticks well and lasts a long time. Cellulosic fibers are common in dyeing. You see them in clothes, towels, and paper.

Colorfastness

Colorfastness shows how well a dye stays on fabric. It tells if the color fades, washes out, or rubs off. You want high colorfastness so your fabric stays bright. You test colorfastness by washing, light, or rubbing. TIANKUN CHEM dyes like Skycron Disperse Dyes have great colorfastness for polyester. Colorfastness is important in dye chemicals and dyes.

Tip: You can make colorfastness better by picking the right dye. You can also add fixatives or auxiliaries.

D–F Terms

Direct Dyes

Direct dyes are simple to use. You put them right on cotton and paper. These dyes mix with water and give bright color. TIANKUN CHEM sells Skydiro Direct Dyes. These dyes help you get strong color on cotton and paper. You use direct dyes in textiles and paper.

Disperse Dyes

Disperse dyes are for synthetic fibers like polyester. You use them when you need high heat. These dyes do not mix with water but spread as tiny bits. TIANKUN CHEM has Skycron Disperse Dyes. These dyes give bright color and last long on polyester. You see disperse dyes in sportswear and activewear.

Dye Bath

A dye bath is a mix of dye, water, and auxiliaries. You put your fabric or yarn in the dye bath to color it. You control the heat, time, and amount to get the right shade. The dye bath is used in most dyeing jobs.

Dyeing Process

The dyeing process is the steps you follow to color things. You pick the dye, get the fiber ready, mix the dye bath, and add the dye. There are different ways like batch dyeing, exhaust dyeing, or continuous dyeing. Each way changes the final color and quality.

Exhaust Dyeing

Exhaust dyeing is when dye moves from the bath to the fiber. Most of the dye gets used up. You use this for wool, cotton, and polyester. Exhaust dyeing gives deep color and good staying power. TIANKUN CHEM dyes like Skycron Disperse Dyes work well for polyester in this method.

Fixatives

Fixatives are chemicals you use after dyeing to lock in color. You use them to make color last and stop fading or bleeding. Fixatives are important in dye chemicals and dyes. They help color stay on cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers.

Note: You can use fixatives with fiber reactive dye. This helps the color stay bright after washing.

You see dye chemicals and dyes grouped by how they are made and used. For example, synthetic dyes include acid dye. Acid dye sticks to fibers in acid solutions. You find these terms in books and guides. The table below lists some important books:

Title

Description

Books in Pigments paints dyes

Talks about vat dyes, how to make reagents, and tests for dyes. Good for dye makers.

Natural Dyes for Textiles

Tells about sources, chemistry, uses, and how to get natural dyes. Good for textile makers and researchers.

Functional Dyes

Explains how to make and use organic dyes in electronics.

Colorants for Non-Textile Applications

Looks at natural and synthetic dyes for printing and photos.

Natural dyes often need mordants to help color last. Mordants help dye stick to fiber and make color stronger. You use metallic salts like alum and iron as mordants. There are also eco-friendly choices. When you dye with natural dyes, you may use tea or plant colors. Mordants like alum and copper sulfate make color brighter and help it last through light and washing.

You see words like carmine and cochineal in dye chemicals and dyes. Carmine comes from cochineal bugs and gives red color. Copperas is an iron mordant that makes color less bright. You use these words when you work with natural dyes and fiber reactive dye.

M–R Terms

Natural Dyes

Natural dyes come from plants, animals, or minerals. Indigo, madder, and cochineal are used a lot. Many people pick natural dyes for eco-friendly projects. You often see natural colors in crafts and old textiles. These dyes work well with cotton, wool, and silk. Sometimes you need a mordant to make the color last. Dyeing with natural colors gives soft, earthy shades. Some dyes come from roots, leaves, or insects. You find natural dyes in small shops and big factories.

Tip: Test your fabric before using natural dyes. Some fibers take color better than others.

Pigment Dyes

Pigment dyes do not mix with water. You use them to color fabric, paint, and ink. Pigment dyes stay on top of the fiber. They need a binder to stick. You get bright colors with pigment dyes. These dyes are good for printing t-shirts and home textiles. Pigment dyes do not react with the fiber. They work for many materials.

Pre-treatment

Pre-treatment gets fabric ready for dyeing. You wash, scour, or bleach the fiber. This step removes dirt, oil, and wax. Pre-treatment helps dye stick better and gives even color. You need pre-treatment for both synthetic and natural fibers. If you skip this step, you may get patchy or dull colors.

Reactive Dyes

Reactive dyes make a chemical bond with the fiber. You use them mostly for cotton and cellulosic fibers. These dyes give bright, long-lasting color. Many factories use reactive dyes for t-shirts, towels, and bedding. TIANKUN CHEM sells Skyzol Reactive Dyes for good results. Here are some popular reactive dyes:

Type of Dye

Examples

Reactive Dyes

C.I. Reactive Orange 107, C.I. Reactive Blue 2, C.I. Reactive Blue 21, C.I. Reactive Red 227, C.I. Reactive Orange 1

Acid Dyes

C.I. Acid Black 1, C.I. Acid Yellow 36, C.I. Acid Blue 117, Acid Orange 19, C.I. Acid Blue 3 (Patent Blue V)

Reactive dyes work best on cotton and viscose. They give high colorfastness and many shades. You can use them in batch or continuous dyeing.

Reduction Clearing

Reduction clearing is a step after dyeing polyester with disperse dyes. You use chemicals to remove extra dye from the surface. This step makes colors brighter and improves washfastness. You often use reduction clearing for sportswear and activewear. TIANKUN CHEM’s Skycron Disperse Dyes work well with this process. You get cleaner and stronger colors.

Dye Type

Mechanical Properties Impact

Performance Change (%)

Reactive Dyes

Inferior to undyed composites

-9.76% to -407.72%

Vat Dyes

Superior to undyed composites

+1.1% to +29.61%

Different dye types change the strength and performance of fabric. Reactive dyes may lower strength. Vat dyes can make fabric stronger.

S–Z Terms

Scouring

Scouring means cleaning fabric deeply before dyeing. You use hot water and soap or special chemicals. Scouring removes oils, waxes, and dirt. This step is important for all fibers. Clean fibers take dye better and give even color.

Shade Percentage

Shade percentage tells how much dye you use for color depth. A higher shade percentage gives darker color. You control shade percentage to match samples or customer needs. You see this term in lab recipes and production sheets.

Synthetic Dyes

Synthetic dyes are made in labs. You use them for bright, strong, and lasting colors. Synthetic dyes include acid, disperse, and reactive dyes. TIANKUN CHEM offers many synthetic dyes for textiles, paper, and daily chemicals. These dyes are good for big jobs. Synthetic dyes give more color choices than natural dyes.

Classification Type

Examples

Chemical Structure

Isoprenoid derivatives (carotenoids), Flavonoids (flavones, flavonols, anthocyanins), Nitrogen-heterocyclic derivatives (betalains), Pyrrole derivatives (chlorophylls)

Sources

Plant, Animal, Mineral, Blue pigments, Red pigments, Yellow pigments, Green pigments, White pigments, Black pigments

Both natural and synthetic dyes come from many sources. They have different chemical structures.

Vat Dyes

Vat dyes are special dyes for cotton and cellulosic fibers. You must reduce them in a vat before dyeing. Vat dyes give deep, rich colors and great washfastness. Indigo is a famous vat dye used for denim. TIANKUN CHEM’s Skythrene Vat Dyes give strong color and durability. You use vat dyes when you want color that lasts through many washes.

Washfastness

Washfastness shows how well dye resists washing. You want high washfastness so colors stay bright after many washes. You test washfastness by washing samples and checking for fading. TIANKUN CHEM dyes, like Skycron Disperse Dyes, have high washfastness. This is important for clothes, towels, and home textiles.

Method

Description

Express Detection

Used for quick detection of synthetic food dyes in drinks, using selective adsorption and differential spectrophotometry.

Application

Can screen samples for synthetic dyes, allowing more tests only if synthetic dyes are found.

You use these methods to check for synthetic dyes and make sure quality is good in dyeing and daily chemicals.

Note: Always check washfastness and shade percentage when picking dye chemicals and dyes for your project.

Types of Dye and Dyeing Solutions

Disperse Dyes by TIANKUN CHEM

Disperse dye is used to color synthetic fibers. It works best for polyester, acetate, polyamide, and polyacrylonitrile. You see disperse dye in many kinds of fabric. If you do shibori tie-dye on polyester, disperse dye gives bright colors. You also use disperse dye for sublimation printing. This way, you move color onto fabric with heat. Sublimation printing makes sharp pictures and strong colors. Garment dyeing with disperse dye helps make cool looks for sportswear. You can use disperse dye in resist dyeing to make patterns.

Here is a table that shows where disperse dye is used:

Fiber Type

Application Description

Polyester

Main fiber dyed with disperse dye. It gives bright colors and good washfastness.

Acetate

Used for dyeing diacetate and triacetate fibers. It makes color last longer.

Polyamide

Good for dyeing polyamide fibers. It gives strong colors.

Polyacrylonitrile

Also used for dyeing polyacrylonitrile fibers. It helps color stay bright.

Chemical Blends

Used with other dyes for blends. Disperse dye does not work on natural fibers.

TIANKUN CHEM sells Skycron disperse dye for these uses. You get strong color and many shades. You can use disperse dye for sublimation, shibori, and even to make indigo effects on synthetics.

Direct Dyes by TIANKUN CHEM

Direct dye is used to color natural fibers. It works well for cotton, linen, and silk. You see direct dye in textiles, paper, and leather goods. You can use direct dye for shibori and resist dyeing on cotton. Direct dye is good for garment dyeing. It helps match colors in big batches. If you want to try indigo dyeing on cotton, you can use direct dye first for base color.

  • Textile industry: Direct dye is used for cotton, linen, and silk fabrics.

  • Paper industry: Direct dye adds color to paper products.

  • Leather goods: Direct dye colors shoes, bags, and jackets.

TIANKUN CHEM has Skydiro direct dye for these jobs. You get bright colors and easy dyeing steps. You can use direct dye for shibori, resist dyeing, and vegetable dye projects. You can also mix direct dye with indigo dyeing for layered looks.

Acid Dyes by TIANKUN CHEM

Acid dye is used to color protein fibers like wool and silk. This dye works best in acidic water. You see acid dye in shibori, resist dyeing, and vegetable dye projects. Acid dye is good for garment dyeing, like wool scarves and silk shirts. Acid dye also works for indigo dyeing on protein fibers. It gives deep blue shades.

Acid dye has special features that make it good for protein fibers:

Property

Description

Solubility

Acid dye mixes with water. This helps dye protein fibers well.

Chemical Structure

Acid dye has acidic groups and sodium sulfonate. These help it stick to protein fibers.

Dyeing Conditions

You use acid dye in acidic water. This is best for wool and silk.

Color Brightness

Acid dye gives bright color and many shades.

  • Acid dye makes ion bonds with amino groups in protein fibers.

  • You get the best results in acidic, weak acidic, or neutral water.

  • Acid dye does not work on cellulose fibers. You only use it for protein fibers.

TIANKUN CHEM sells Skyacido acid dye for these uses. You can use acid dye for shibori, resist dyeing, and vegetable dye projects. You also use acid dye for indigo dyeing on wool and silk. Acid dye gives lasting color and strong shades for all your dyeing needs.

Basic Dyes by TIANKUN CHEM

You pick basic dyes when you want bright color. These dyes work well on acrylic fibers, paper, and some plastics. TIANKUN CHEM sells Skyzon basic dyes for many uses. You see these dyes in textiles, carpets, and paper. Basic dyes make colors look bold and easy to see. You can use them to make paper look bright and fun.

Basic dyes help you get strong shades. They keep their color well and do not fade fast in light. Your paper stays colorful even after being in the sun. This makes basic dyes a good choice for coloring paper. You get color that lasts a long time. You can trust basic dyes when you need good color.

Tip: Pick basic dyes for strong color on acrylic or paper. You will get good results and easy steps.

Natural Dyes Overview

Natural dyes come from plants, animals, or minerals. You find them in roots, leaves, bark, bugs, and rocks. Indigo, madder, and cochineal are well-known natural dyes. You use natural dyes for green projects. Many people pick natural dyes for crafts, clothes, and old-style fabrics.

There are many good things about using natural dyes:

  • Natural dyes break down and do not pollute.

  • They come from things you can grow again and do not make bad waste.

  • Natural dyes are safe for people and nature.

  • You are less likely to have allergies with natural dyes.

Natural dyes give soft and earthy colors. You often need a mordant to help the color stay. You can use alum or iron as a mordant. Natural dyes work well on cotton, wool, and silk. You see natural dyes in handmade cloth and special items.

Note: Try dyeing a small piece of fabric first. Some fibers take color better than others.

Synthetic Dyes Overview

Synthetic dyes are made in labs. You use them for bright, strong, and lasting color. Synthetic dyes include acid, disperse, direct, and reactive types. TIANKUN CHEM has many synthetic dyes for cloth, paper, and daily products. You see synthetic dyes in big dyeing jobs.

Synthetic dyes give you more color choices than natural dyes. You get the same results every time and color does not fade easily. Synthetic dyes stay bright after washing. You can use them for things that need to keep color after washing and sunlight.

Here is a table that shows how natural dyes and synthetic dyes are different:

Characteristic

Natural Dyes

Synthetic Dyes

Colorfastness

Usually lower because sources change

Usually higher because chemicals are the same

Washfastness

Not as good in most tests

More reliable in normal tests

Environmental Impact

Breaks down, uses less energy

Stays in nature, uses more energy

Testing Challenges

Hard to test with normal ways

Easy to test with set methods

You can use synthetic dyes for coloring paper. Direct dyes give bright color and are simple to use. Acid dyes make deep colors and last longer. Reactive dyes stick to fibers and help color stay.

Tip: Use synthetic dyes when you want strong color that lasts for cloth, paper, or daily products.

Dyeing Processes and Techniques

Batch Dyeing

Batch dyeing is when you color a set amount of fabric or yarn at one time. This way, you can control the shade and how good the color looks. You can change how you dye each batch. Batch dyeing helps you get the color you want for special orders or small jobs. You see batch dyeing in factories and workshops.

There are different ways to do batch dyeing. Each way works best for certain fabrics. Here is a table that shows the most common batch dyeing techniques:

Dyeing Technique

Description

Optimal Use

Temperature Range (°C)

Liquor Ratio

Jigger Dyeing

Gradual transfer of dye from dye bath to textile in the same equipment.

Woven fabrics

Varies

N/A

Winch Dyeing

Similar to jigger but uses a winch mechanism for fabric movement.

Woven fabrics

N/A

N/A

Jet Dyeing

Involves movement of both fabric and dye liquid, suitable for knit fabrics.

Knit fabrics

135-140

1:5 to 1:15

Beam Dyeing

Dye solution moves while fabric remains stationary.

Knit and woven fabrics

High

1:5

You can use batch dyeing for cotton, polyester, wool, and silk. TIANKUN CHEM has dyes that work well for batch dyeing. You get bright colors and good colorfastness. Batch dyeing lets you try new shades and ways to dye.

Continuous Dyeing

Continuous dyeing is used to color a lot of fabric fast. The fabric moves through dye baths and rollers. This way works best for big jobs and factories. You get even color across all the fabric. Continuous dyeing saves time and is very efficient.

You can compare batch dyeing and continuous dyeing with this table:

Dyeing Method

Efficiency

Color Consistency

Batch Dyeing

Offers high color flexibility; may vary between batches

Consistent results within each batch; slight variations between batches

Continuous Dyeing

More efficient for large-scale production

Generally good consistency across the fabric; issues can affect large quantities

You use continuous dyeing for cotton, polyester, and blends. TIANKUN CHEM dyes work well in this method. You can also use continuous dyeing for printing. This way gives you quick results and helps you finish big orders.

Tip: Pick continuous dyeing if you need to color a lot of fabric the same way. You save time and get even color.

Exhaust Dyeing

Exhaust dyeing is a common way to dye fabric. You put the fabric in a dye bath. The dye moves from the water to the fiber. Most of the dye gets used up. You use exhaust dyeing for wool, cotton, and polyester. This way gives deep color and helps the color last.

You can control the heat and time in exhaust dyeing. You get strong shades and good colorfastness. TIANKUN CHEM dyes, like Skycron Disperse Dyes, work well for this. You can use exhaust dyeing for printing, too. This way helps you get bright colors that last.

Note: Try exhaust dyeing if you want rich color and good washfastness. You can use it for many types of fabric and dye.

Pad Dyeing

Pad dyeing is a fast and simple way to color fabric. You use this method when you want to dye large amounts of fabric quickly. In pad dyeing, you pass the fabric through a dye solution and then squeeze it between rollers. This helps the dye spread evenly. You can control how much dye stays on the fabric by changing the pressure of the rollers.

You often use pad dyeing for cotton, polyester, and blends. This method works well for both light and dark shades. You can also use pad dyeing for special effects, like stripes or patterns. Many factories use pad dyeing because it saves time and uses less water than other dyeing methods.

Here is a simple table to show the steps in pad dyeing:

Step

What You Do

Padding

Pass fabric through dye solution

Squeezing

Use rollers to remove extra dye

Fixing

Heat or steam to set the dye

Washing

Clean off any loose dye

TIANKUN CHEM offers dyes that work well in pad dyeing. You get bright colors and good colorfastness. Pad dyeing helps you finish big orders fast and keeps the color even.

Tip: Always check the pressure of the rollers. This helps you get the right amount of dye on the fabric.

Printing

Printing lets you put patterns, logos, or pictures on fabric. You use printing when you want more than just one color. In textile printing, you apply dye or pigment to certain parts of the fabric. You can use screens, rollers, or digital printers for this job.

There are many types of printing:

  • Screen printing: You push dye through a screen to make a pattern.

  • Roller printing: You use engraved rollers to print long rolls of fabric.

  • Digital printing: You use a printer to spray dye onto the fabric, like an inkjet printer.

Printing gives you sharp lines and bright colors. You can print on cotton, polyester, silk, and blends. TIANKUN CHEM has dyes made for printing. These dyes help you get clear images and strong colors. You can use printing for t-shirts, curtains, and even sportswear.

Note: Always test your fabric before printing. Some fabrics take dye better than others.

Pre-treatment

Pre-treatment is the first step before dyeing or printing. You need to clean the fabric so the dye sticks well. Pre-treatment removes oils, waxes, and dirt. This step helps you get even color and sharp prints.

You can use scouring, bleaching, or washing for pre-treatment. Each method depends on the type of fabric. Cotton needs scouring to remove natural wax. Polyester needs washing to get rid of oils from making the fiber. If you skip pre-treatment, the dye may not stick, and the color can look patchy.

TIANKUN CHEM offers products for pre-treatment. These help you get the fabric ready for dyeing or printing. Good pre-treatment means better color and longer-lasting prints.

Tip: Always pre-treat your fabric. This step makes dyeing and printing easier and gives you better results.

Post-treatment

You finish dyeing, but your job does not end there. Post-treatment helps you make sure the color stays bright and strong. You use post-treatment to improve the quality of your dyed fabric. This step protects your work and makes your products last longer.

Post-treatment means you treat the fabric after dyeing. You wash, rinse, and sometimes use special chemicals. You remove extra dye that did not stick to the fiber. You also fix the color so it does not fade or bleed. You want your dye to stay on the fabric, even after many washes.

You can follow these common post-treatment steps:

  1. Washing: You wash the fabric to remove loose dye. This step stops color from rubbing off.

  2. Rinsing: You rinse with clean water. You make sure no dye remains on the surface.

  3. Fixing: You use fixatives to lock in the dye. This step helps the color resist washing and sunlight.

  4. Neutralizing: You balance the pH. You use mild acids or bases to make the fabric safe and soft.

  5. Softening: You add softeners. You make the fabric feel smooth and comfortable.

Tip: Always check the instructions for each dye. Some dyes need special post-treatment steps.

You see post-treatment in many dyeing jobs. You use it for cotton, polyester, wool, and silk. You also use it for paper and daily chemicals. TIANKUN CHEM offers solutions for post-treatment. Their products help you get high colorfastness and strong shades. You can trust TIANKUN CHEM dyes to stay bright after post-treatment.

Here is a table that shows how post-treatment affects different fibers:

Fiber Type

Post-treatment Effect

Common Dye Used

Cotton

Improves washfastness

Reactive dye, direct dye

Polyester

Removes surface dye, boosts color

Disperse dye

Wool

Makes color last longer

Acid dye

Silk

Keeps color soft and bright

Acid dye

You need post-treatment for every dyeing process. You make sure your dye does not fade, bleed, or rub off. You also improve the feel and look of your fabric. You can use post-treatment for printing and pad dyeing. You get better results and happier customers.

Note: If you skip post-treatment, your dye may fade fast. Always finish your dyeing with proper post-treatment.

You see post-treatment as a key step in dyeing. You protect your work and make your products stand out. TIANKUN CHEM gives you the tools and dyes you need for great post-treatment results.

Fibers and Materials in Dyeing

Cellulosic Fibers

Cellulosic fibers are in many things you use every day. Cotton, linen, and viscose are some examples. These fibers come from plants and are called natural fiber. You use dye to color cellulosic fibers in clothes, towels, and paper. Fiber reactive dye works well on cotton and linen. This dye makes a strong bond with the fiber. The color stays bright after you wash it. Direct dye also colors cellulosic fibers. You can use direct dye for paper and cotton fabric. Cellulosic fibers soak up dye easily because they have tiny holes. You get deep colors and good colorfastness. If you want to dye cellulosic fibers, you must get them ready first. Pre-treatment takes away dirt and oils so dye sticks better. You can use TIANKUN CHEM dyes for cellulosic fibers. These dyes help you get bright colors that last.

Protein Fibers

Protein fibers come from animals. Wool and silk are the most common protein fibers. You use dye to color these fibers in scarves, sweaters, and fancy fabrics. Protein fibers have amino groups that react with acid dye. Acid dye gives bright colors and strong shades. You can also use reactive dye for protein fibers, but acid dye is best. Protein fibers need gentle care when you dye them. You use warm water and mild chemicals to keep the fiber safe. If you want to dye wool or silk, do not use harsh treatments. TIANKUN CHEM has dyes for protein fibers. These dyes help you get rich colors and soft feel. You see protein fibers in nice clothes and special fabrics. You can use dye to make patterns and designs on protein fibers.

Synthetic Fibers

Synthetic fibers are made in factories. Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are common synthetic fibers. You use dye to color synthetic fibers in sportswear, carpets, and work fabrics. Synthetic fibers do not soak up dye like natural fiber. You need special dye for synthetic fibers. Disperse dye is best for polyester fibers. This dye spreads as tiny bits and sticks to the fiber with heat. You get bright colors and great colorfastness. TIANKUN CHEM disperse dyes work well on polyester fibers. You can use these dyes for sports clothes and uniforms. Nylon fibers use acid dye or disperse dye. Acrylic fibers use basic dye. Synthetic fibers fight stains and fading, so you must pick the right dye for each fiber. You can use dye to make synthetic fibers look like natural ones. Synthetic fibers give you many choices for color and how they work.

Tip: Always pick the dye that matches the fiber type. You get the best results when you use the right dye for each fiber.

Here is a table that shows fiber types and the dyes you can use:

Fiber Type

Common Dye Used

Example Products

Cotton

Reactive, Direct

T-shirts, towels

Wool

Acid

Sweaters, scarves

Silk

Acid

Luxury fabrics, ties

Polyester

Disperse

Sportswear, uniforms

Nylon

Acid, Disperse

Stockings, jackets

Acrylic

Basic

Carpets, blankets

You see many kinds of fibers in dyeing. Each fiber needs its own special dye. You can use TIANKUN CHEM dyes for cellulosic, protein, and synthetic fibers. These dyes help you get bright colors and strong results.

Fiber Blends

You see fiber blends in many fabrics today. Manufacturers mix two or more fibers to get the best qualities from each. You find blends like cotton-polyester, wool-nylon, or viscose-acrylic in clothes, towels, and home textiles. Fiber blends help you get soft feel, strong fabric, and easy care. When you use a blend, you must pick the right dye for each fiber.

Blended fabrics can make dyeing tricky. Each fiber in the blend reacts differently to dye. Cotton absorbs dye well and gives deep color. Polyester resists dye but keeps color bright after washing. Wool takes dye in a moderate way and can change color with light or moisture. Nylon does not absorb much dye but holds color well. You must know how each fiber works with dye to get the best results.

You often use special dyeing methods for blends. Sometimes you use two dyes in one bath. For example, you use reactive dye for cotton and disperse dye for polyester in a cotton-polyester blend. You can dye both fibers at the same time or in separate steps. TIANKUN CHEM offers dyes that work for blends. You get strong color and good colorfastness.

Here is a table that shows how different fibers in blends absorb dye and keep color:

Fiber Type

Dye Absorption

Color Retention

Colorfastness Characteristics

Cotton

High

Moderate

Prone to fading under sunlight and washing

Polyester

Low

High

Excellent resistance to fading

Wool

Moderate

Variable

Susceptible to color changes from light and moisture

Nylon

Low

High

Provides stability and resistance to fading

You must test your blend before dyeing. Some blends need special pre-treatment. You clean the fabric so dye sticks better. You also check the dye bath temperature. Cotton needs lower heat, but polyester needs high heat for dye to work. You adjust the process to match the fibers in your blend.

You can use dye to make patterns or match colors in blended fabrics. You see dyeing in sportswear, uniforms, and fashion items. TIANKUN CHEM dyes help you get even color and strong shades in blends. You can trust these dyes for cotton-polyester, wool-nylon, and other blends. You get fabric that looks good and lasts long.

Tip: Always check the fiber content before you dye a blend. Pick the right dye for each fiber. Test a small piece first to see how the color turns out.

You see fiber blends everywhere. You use dye to make them bright, strong, and beautiful. TIANKUN CHEM gives you the tools to dye blends with confidence.

Properties and Testing in Dyeing

Colorfastness Testing

You want your fabric to keep its color after you dye it. Colorfastness testing helps you check if the color will stay bright or fade away. You test colorfastness by washing, rubbing, or shining light on the fabric. If the color stays strong, you know you did a good job dyeing. Many people use special machines to test colorfastness. You can also do simple tests at home. For example, you can wash a small piece of dyed fabric and see if the color comes out. Achieving good colourfastness means your fabric will look new for a long time. TIANKUN CHEM offers dyes with high fastness, so you can trust your color will last.

Tip: Always test a sample before you dye a big batch. This helps you see if the color will stay or fade.

Lightfastness

Lightfastness tells you how well a color can stand up to sunlight. If you dye a shirt and wear it outside, you want the color to stay bright. Some dyes lose color quickly in the sun. Others keep their color for a long time. You test lightfastness by putting dyed fabric in sunlight or under a special lamp. After some time, you check if the color has faded. High lightfastness means your dye will keep its color even after many days in the sun. TIANKUN CHEM dyes are made to help your fabric retain its colour and look good outdoors.

Here is a table to show how lightfastness is rated:

Lightfastness Grade

What It Means

1

Very poor

2

Poor

3

Fair

4

Moderate

5

Good

6

Very good

7

Excellent

8

Outstanding

You want a high grade if you use the fabric outside or in bright rooms.

Washfastness

Washfastness shows how well a dye can stay on fabric after washing. You want your clothes to keep their color, even after many washes. If a dye has low washfastness, the color will fade or bleed into other clothes. You test washfastness by washing the dyed fabric and checking if the color changes. High washfastness means the color stays strong and does not wash out. TIANKUN CHEM dyes have high washfastness, so your fabric will look bright and new for a long time.

Note: Always follow the right steps when dyeing. This helps you get the best color fastness and keeps your fabric looking great.

You can use these tests to pick the best dye for your project. When you choose a dye with high fastness, you make sure your fabric will keep its color. Testing helps you see if your dyeing process works well. You want your fabric to retain its colour and look good after washing, sunlight, and daily use.

Shade and Levelling

You want your fabric to look even and bright after dyeing. Shade means how dark or light the color appears on your material. You control shade by changing the amount of dye you use. If you add more dye, you get a deeper color. If you use less dye, you get a lighter color. You can match samples or create new shades by adjusting the dye formula.

Levelling is important in dyeing. It helps you get the same color across the whole fabric. You do not want spots or streaks. You use levelling agents to spread the dye evenly. These agents help the dye move and stick to the fiber at the same rate. You see levelling agents in many dyeing processes. They work with acid dye, disperse dye, and reactive dye.

Here is a table to show how you control shade and levelling:

Factor

Effect on Dyeing

How to Adjust

Dye Amount

Changes color depth

Increase or decrease dye

Temperature

Affects dye movement

Raise or lower heat

Levelling Agent

Makes color even

Add to dye bath

Time

Longer time gives deeper color

Change dyeing time

Tip: Always test a small piece before dyeing the whole batch. You can check if the color and shade are right.

You can use TIANKUN CHEM dyes for good shade and levelling. These dyes help you get bright color and smooth results. You see even color in sportswear, towels, and home textiles. You can trust these dyes for easy shade control and strong levelling.

Fixatives and Auxiliaries

Fixatives help you keep color on your fabric after dyeing. You use fixatives to lock in the dye. They stop color from fading or bleeding. You add fixatives after dyeing to make the color last longer. You see fixatives in cotton, wool, and synthetic dyeing. They work with many types of dye, like reactive dye and acid dye.

Auxiliaries are extra chemicals that help with dyeing. You use auxiliaries to make dyeing easier and better. Wetting agents help the dye soak into the fiber. Dispersants keep the dye spread out in the bath. Levelling agents make the color even. You add auxiliaries to the dye bath for smooth dyeing.

Here is a list of common auxiliaries in dyeing:

  • Wetting agents: Help dye soak into fabric.

  • Dispersants: Keep dye spread out.

  • Levelling agents: Make color even.

  • Fixatives: Lock in color after dyeing.

Note: Always follow the instructions for each dye and auxiliary. You get the best color and lasting results.

You can use TIANKUN CHEM fixatives and auxiliaries for strong color and easy dyeing. These products help you get bright color and high colorfastness. You see good results in textiles, paper, and daily chemicals. You can trust TIANKUN CHEM for all your dyeing needs.

Industry Solutions and Customer Stories

Textile Dyeing Solutions by TIANKUN CHEM

You work in the textile industry, so you know how important it is to get the right color and quality. TIANKUN CHEM gives you a full range of dye solutions for textiles. You can choose from disperse, reactive, acid, direct, and basic dyes. Each type works best for certain fibers. For example, you use disperse dye for polyester and reactive dye for cotton. You get bright colors that last through many washes. TIANKUN CHEM helps you meet high standards for colorfastness and safety. You can find more about these solutions on the textile dyeing solutions page.

Note: Always match the dye to the fiber type for the best results.

Daily Chemicals Color Solutions

You see color in many daily products like shampoo, soap, and cleaners. TIANKUN CHEM offers you special dye solutions for daily chemicals. These dyes mix well in water and give you clear, bright colors. You can use them in liquid soaps, mouthwash, and even toothpaste. The dyes are safe and meet industry rules. You can pick from many shades to make your product stand out. If you want to learn more, visit the daily chemicals color solutions page.

  • You get easy mixing.

  • You see strong color in every batch.

  • You meet safety standards.

Paper Dyeing Solutions

You want your paper to look bright and even. TIANKUN CHEM gives you dye solutions for paper that help you get the color you need. You can use basic, acid, or direct dyes for different paper types. These dyes work well for colored paper, packaging, and special prints. You get good colorfastness, so your paper stays bright. You can also use fluorescent dyes to make paper look whiter. For more details, check the paper dyeing solutions page.

Paper Type

Best Dye Type

Result

Colored Paper

Basic, Direct

Bright, lasting color

Packaging

Acid, Direct

Strong, even shade

Special Prints

Fluorescent

Extra brightness

Tip: Test a small piece of paper first to see how the dye looks.

You can trust TIANKUN CHEM to help you solve your color challenges in textiles, daily chemicals, and paper. You get support, quality, and a wide choice of dyes for every need.

Customer Case: Morocco Dye Trader

You can learn a lot from real stories. Here is one about a dye trader in Morocco. This company wanted to sell only good dye. They needed a partner who could give them quality and quick help. You might have these problems if you work with many suppliers or have strict customers.

The Morocco dye trader used many dyes. These included disperse, direct, and cationic. Their customers wanted bright color that lasted a long time. The trader checked prices and quality before buying dye. They needed a supplier with good products and fast replies.

TIANKUN CHEM helped them solve these problems:

  • They gave many kinds of dye, like disperse, direct, and basic dye.

  • They made sure every dye was high quality.

  • They answered emails and chats very fast.

  • They helped with questions about how to use dye.

Note: Fast and clear answers help you fix problems early. You save time and keep your customers happy.

The results came fast. The Morocco dye trader got better dye in every shipment. Their customers saw bright colors and strong color that lasted. The trader did not wait long for answers or have to fix many problems. This helped them build trust with their customers.

Here is a simple table to show what the Morocco dye trader got:

Challenge

Solution from TIANKUN CHEM

Result

Many dye suppliers

One reliable source for dye

Easier management

Slow response

Fast answers to dye questions

Quicker decisions

Quality concerns

High-quality dye every time

Happy end customers

You can read more about this story on the customer case page.

If you want to make your dye business better, you can learn from this story. Pick a partner who knows about dye and cares about your needs. You will get better results and happier customers.

You see how knowing each dye and color term helps you get the best results. You use the right dye to make your fabric, paper, or daily product look bright and last longer. You check the color to match your needs and keep your work strong. You learn new ways to use dye for different materials. You test color to make sure it stays after washing. You can visit the glossary again to find the dye or color you need. You trust TIANKUN CHEM for new dye solutions and support. You find more about dye and color on their product pages.

FAQ

What is the difference between natural dyes and synthetic dyes?

Natural dyes come from plants, animals, or minerals. Synthetic dyes are made in labs. You get more color choices and stronger colorfastness with synthetic dyes. Natural dyes are better for eco-friendly projects.

How do you choose the right dye for your fabric?

Check the fiber type first. Use reactive or direct dyes for cotton. Pick acid dyes for wool and silk. Choose disperse dyes for polyester. Always test a small piece before dyeing everything.

Why does color sometimes fade after washing?

Color fades if you use the wrong dye or skip fixatives. Some dyes have low washfastness. Always follow the dye instructions. Use fixatives to help color last longer.

Can you mix different types of dyes together?

You should not mix different dye types in one bath. Each dye works best with certain fibers and conditions. Mixing can cause uneven color or poor results.

What are auxiliaries, and why do you need them?

Auxiliaries help you get even color and better dyeing results. They include wetting agents, dispersants, and levelling agents. Add auxiliaries to the dye bath for smoother, brighter colors.

How do you test colorfastness at home?

Wash a small piece of dyed fabric with soap and water. Rub it with a white cloth. If the color stays, you have good colorfastness. If it fades or rubs off, try a different dye or use a fixative.

Where can you find more information about TIANKUN CHEM dyes?

Visit the TIANKUN CHEM official website. You can read about products, solutions, and customer stories. You can also contact their team for help with your dyeing projects.


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