Heat: a major consideration in successful, consistent dyeing. A higher dyebath temperature increases the rate at which the dye is taken up and also the rate at which the dye migrates to the substrate.

Bleeding: dyes will bleed (the color comes off or rubs off) when overloaded (too much dye for the dry weight of the substrate) and not thoroughly rinsed until the rinse water runs clear.

Rinsing: removes unbonded dyes. Imperative to rinse well in running water until the water runs clear.

After-Wash: washing the dyed substrate with a surfactant (detergent) after dyeing and rinsing to completely remove any remaining unbonded dye.

Dye Re-use: multiple dyeings from the same dye-bath are not technically sound and will not yield consistent, repeatable color.

Color Yield: The depth of color obtained on the substrate when a standard weight of Rit® dye is used under specified conditions.

Color standards: samples of dyed substrate that exhibit all desired color characteristics. These standards should be stored away from light and gasses when not in use.

Color Judgements: should be performed on dyed substrates that have been thoroughly rinsed to remove surface dye and then dried. A consistent light source is used when making color judgements.

More Helpful Hints