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Opulence Acid Dye Colour Blending Instructions
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General Information...
Often called rainbow or variegated dyeing, use this hand painted method of dyeing to sprinkle dye, tie dye, paint colour blends or paint shibori tied silk. Colours may be applied to all protein
fibers, fabrics, yarns, ribbons or washable garments. Painted pieces may be fixed in the microwave or steamed on top of the stove.
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Supplies & Equipment...
Plain white distilled household vinegar, Opulence Acid Dyes, Pure Water Softener (for hard water only) add 1 tsp (5 ml) per quart (liter) of water and TNA Detergent for the final washout. Mask and rubber gloves. Application instruments: brushes, sponge brushes, eye droppers, squeeze bottles or syringes. Microwave safe saran and container or zip lock bags. A syringe to remove excess dye.
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Safety…
Acid dyes are not harmful if used properly. Handle the dye powders carefully, measure them in a well ventilated area away from the kitchen. Avoid contact with skin and eyes, wear gloves, eye
protection and a dust mask. Avoid skin contact with liquid dyes, wear gloves and use implements for stirring. Do not cross contaminate with cooking pots or utensils. Keep from reach of children and
pets. Use common sense and good housekeeping. MSDS available upon request.
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Step 1: Mix The Presoak Solution...
Mix 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts soft lukewarm water. Place clean washed fabric/fiber into the solution and allow to soak for 30 minutes. If the fabric is to be tied do the tying before soaking. If
it is to be fixed in the microwave use natural fibers for tying.
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Step 2: Mix The Dye...
Fill a Pyrex container with 1/2 cup (125 ml) of boiling water. Add the dye according to the chart below, stir until dissolved. Add 1/2 cup (125 ml) cold water. Let cool.
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To Make 1 Cup (250 mls) Of Dye
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Colour
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Pastel
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Median
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Dark
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Black/Navy
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Dye Powder
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1/4 tsp (.50 gr)
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1 tsp (2 gr)
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2 tsp (4 gr)
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4 tsp (8 gr)
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Note:
If you have made up stock solutions as per our Immersion Instructions use these for blended painting applications. You may heat the dye if you want to dissolve more dye powder into the dye solution.
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Step 3: Paint The Fabric/Fiber...
Put on the gloves, remove the fiber from the soak solution and gently squeeze out the excess liquid. Place the fiber either in a microwave safe bowl or on a piece of saran. Fabric may be previously
tied or manipulated before soaking or folded, twisted or spiraled after. Yarns and ribbons may be laid flat on saran to paint on variegated colours. Apply the dye to the fiber with your chosen
instrument. Dyes may be applied in numerous ways. Side by side, leaving a space for them to blend together to make a third colour. Overlapping to obtain a smooth gradation, in a zigzag pattern, or
anyway you like. It is helpful to have a colour wheel handy to avoid painting compliments as they mix to make muddy colours. Remove excess dye from around the fiber with a syringe.
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Step 4: Fix The Dye...
Choose one of the methods below to bond the dye to the fiber.
Method A: Microwave Fixation
Place microwave safe saran over the microwave safe dish containing the fiver and SEAL COMPLETELY. To keep the colours separated place the fabric on a flat layer
of saran, apply the dye, cover with a second layer of saran then roll or fold and seal completely. Place a full glass of water in the microwave next to the container, sealed saran or zip locked bag.
Microwave on high 3 1/2 to 7 minutes. Use less time for small pieces, more for larger. As long as the fiber stays wet it will not burn. If the seal breaks, stop the microwave and reseal the fiber.
Remove from the microwave, it will be hot so use oven mitts. COOL COMPLETELY before removing the saran.
Method B: Steam Fixation
Wrap the fiber in saran so dyed areas are not touching. Use a regular level vegetable steamer or a Chinese bamboo steamer. Put water in the bottom of the steamer and
bring to a boil. Place the wrapped parcel in the top portion of the steamer and cover with a towel. Steam for 30 minutes. Turn off and let the fabric cool completely.
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Step 5: Wash The Fiber/Fabric…
After the fiber has cooled remove excess unbonded dye by rinsing the fiber in cool water until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze to remove excess dye. Wash with TNA Soap in warm water, cool rinse.
Squeeze out excess water and let air dry. Silks may be pressed dry using a low iron setting.
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General Colour Mixing Notes…
It is truly easier to mix colours from our preceding stock dye solution recipe rather than powders. See Immersion Instructions for how-to.
Orange—Begin with yellow and add small amounts of red.
Emerald Green—Begin with yellow and add cyan.
Grass Green—Begin with yellow and add blue.
Purples and Violets
—Begin with blue or cyan and add red or magenta.
Rust—Begin with red and add brown.
Chocolate Brown—Begin with brown and add black.
To mute colours add small amounts of black.
To make earthy colours add small amounts of brown.
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Click here to locate Opulence Acid dyes in our catalogue
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