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Making Reactive MX Print Paste
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About the dye...
Reactive MX will dye all natural fiber. It is a professional permanent dye. Dyed fabric may be
washed or dry cleaned.
These directions are for making surface application painting solutions.
Use a disposable dust mask while handling dye powder. Use rubber gloves to protect your hands. Do
not use dyeing utensils for food preparation. Keep dyes away from toddlers, pets and unsupervised children.
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Supplies...
- Pure Water Softener: Sodium Hetametaphosphate...surrounds metallic salts in the water and aids in even dye application.
- Urea: Helps dissolve the dye and attracts moisture for bonding.
- Ludigol: Promotes good colour depth.
- Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda)...Activates the dye to bond to the fiber.
- TNA Detergent: Keeps unfixed dye in suspension to prevent back staining during the final washout.
- Sodium Alginate: To thicken the mixture.
- Raycafix: Optional, dye fixative, greatly reduces washing/rinsing time.
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Equipment...
- Glass or plastic measuring cups and storage jars.
- Measuring spoons or scales.
- Stirring sticks or rods.
- A dust mask and rubber gloves.
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Fabric Preparation...
Wash cotton thoroughly with detergent in hot water.
Wash silks in TNA
Detergent. Use hot water, decrease water temperature gradually to a cool rinse. Blot in a towel and press dry with iron set on silk.
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General Instruction...
- Adjust the consistency of the print paste either by the amount of Sodium Alginate used or by
diluting the paste with a urea/water solution. To make the solution dissolve 9 Tbs. (100 gr.) of urea in 1 quart (1 liter) of water.
- The quantity of print paste may be adjusted by calculating ingredients accordingly from the chart below.
- Store print pastes in the fridge (seal and label). Discard the mixture if it molds or thins.
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INGREDIENT CHART FOR 1 LITER ( 1 QT.) OF PASTE BASE
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FABRIC TYPE
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WATER SOFTENER
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UREA
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LUDIGOL
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HOT WATER
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SODIUM ALGINATE
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COTTON
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1 tsp
(5 gr)
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10 Tbsp
(114 gr)
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2 tsp
(5 gr)
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2 cups
(500 ml)
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3 to 5 Tbsp
(49 gr)
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SILK
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1 tsp
(5 gr)
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5 Tbsp
(57 gr)
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2 tsp
(5 gr)
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2 cups
(500 ml)
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3 to 5 Tbsp
(49 gr)
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Procedure To Make Paste Base...
Step 1. Measure the required amount of Water Softener, Urea and Ludigol into a 1 liter (1 quart) glass container.
Step 2. Add 3 cups (750 ml) of hot water, 120-140 F (50-60 C), stir until dissolved.
Step 3.
Let the chemical/water mixture cool to room temperature.
Step 4. Sprinkle in the desired amount of Sodium Alginate while stirring rapidly.
Step 5. Add room temperature water to make 1 liter (1 quart), stir well.
Step 6. Leave the mixture to
stand for several hours or overnight to allow the alginate to absorb the water.
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INGREDIENT CHART FOR 1 CUP (250 ML) OF DYE PASTE
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COLOUR DEPTH
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DYE GUIDE
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PRINT PASTE
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SODIUM BICARBONATE
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PALE
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1 tsp (3 gr)
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1 cup (250 ml)
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1 tsp (5 gr)
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MEDIUM
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2 tsp (6 gr)
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1 cup (250 ml)
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1 tsp (5 gr)
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DEEP
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4 tsp (12 gr)
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1 cup (250 ml)
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1 1/2 tsp (8 gr)
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BLACKS & NAVY
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8 tsp (24 gr)
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1 cup (250 ml)
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1 1/2 tsp (8 gr)
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Procedure To Make Dye Paste...
Step 1. Sprinkle the desired amount of dye into the print paste and stir well .
Step 2.
Just prior to printing, dissolve the required amount of sodium bicarbonate in a small amount of warm water, add to the print paste, stir well.
Step 3.
If necessary, thin with the urea/water solution.
Step 4. Allow the fabric to dry 48 hours after printing.
Step 5. Refer to fixation methods and washing instructions below.
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Fixation Methods...
Use one of these methods to permanently bond the dye to the fabric. Although dry heat will work, optimum colour is obtained by using moist heat (steam).
- Method 1. Steam fix by rolling the fabric in blank newsprint so that the dyed surfaces are separated. Steam for 15 minutes in an enclosed steamer or over a canning kettle. Click here for Steaming Instruction in our silk painting guide.
Method 2. Steam iron for 5 minutes moving the iron slowly to insure uniform heat.
Method 3. Place fabric in a clothes dryer and run for 30 minutes at hottest setting.
Method 4. Roll the fabric
in plastic to separate dyed layers, put in a plastic bag and seal. Leave 24-48 hours at room temperature or 4 hours near a radiator or other warm place.
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Washing Instructions...
Step 1. After fixing let the fabric air set for 48 hours.
Step 2.
Rinse in cold running water until the water runs clear, repeat using lukewarm, then hot water.
Step 3. Wash in hot water using TNA Detergent, use
about a capful per sink of water. Repeat until the water runs clear. Washing and rinsing may be done by machine.
Step 4.
Rinse well and dry immediately in a clothes dryer or by iron.
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