DYES: how to use Instant Dyes

We mix & stock INSTANT DYES

.........and this is how we use them:

HINTS & SUGGESTED PROJECTS WITH INSTANT DYES

1 ml of dye will dye 2g protein fibre or fabric at full strength. (silk or wool).

ALWAYS ADD ACETIC ACID OR WHITE VINEGAR TO THE DYES – 1 TSP VINEGAR PER 10 ML OF DYE. MIX YOUR COLOURS You can make most shades by simply mixing the dyes, e.g., add 2 ml blue to 10 ml of yellow to make green. (note the black looks brown till you apply it ). ADD 1 tsp white vinegar to dyes before use, this helps them work better.

SOFTEN YOUR COLOURS Simply add water to the dye, to get softer colours. These dyes are not recommended for runny effects – use Heatfix if that is the effect you want. To get sharper lines, apply your dye to dry fabric, the dye will stay very contained. Applying dyes to fabrics with brush: -Apply dyes with vinegar added with a brush on wet or dry fabric. -Best results are obtained when dye is left to dry before rinsing off -Rinse well, in a tub of clean water. -You have now dyed your article. Using Instant dyes in a bucket -Start with a bucket of water with quarter cup of white vinegar added. Add the dye at full strength using the ratio 1 part dye to 2 gr materials to get good colour, dilute if softer colour is needed. -Immerse fabric or fibre, make sure it is fully submerged then leave overnight. The dye will be completely absorbed into the fibre or fabric by morning. -Remember instant dyes are not recommended for fashion clothing or scarves; constant washing will fade items. Instant dyes are best for wall hangings, artworks, test projects and experimental work. Making a drawing dye stick Note: This works best using the darker colours on the dye stick, and painting over the top with lighter colors. - take 10 ml of dye and add to 30 ml of water - put into a small container(the cut out bottom of a plastic milk bottle is ideal for this) Soak white chalk in this mix, this takes 5 minutes, the chalk will fizz slightly as it absorbs the dye. Any school chalk will suffice. Wear waterproof gloves, pick up the chalk, and draw on any silk fabric The drawn image will show through. Rinse off the work in water to complete project. To print using the dyes.

SCREEN PRINTING -If you want to use these dyes for screen printing, you will need to obtain a printing medium, which is available at Beautiful Silks. -Using your printing medium paste, add required amount of dye, about 1 part dye to 2 parts printing medium is a good formula to try for a test. -Print using the above made up paste. If possible leave the print to dry. if you rinse off when the gel is still wet, some dye bleed may occur but the print can be rinsed before it is dry. Printing using a stamp -Prepare your stamp, and use the dye mixed as for screen printing and apply to surface. Dyeing fibre for paper -Take 1 lt. water, 1 tbsp white vinegar add 5 ml of dye, then add 50 ml paper pulp, stir and leave mixture for at least 2 hours. The pulp will absorb the dye. Make paper as usual, add more dye if you require a darker shade.

TIE-DYEING Tie your item, immerse in water, take out of the water, lay item onto a waterproof surface, paint instant dye on item, rinse, untie.

INSTANT DYES - SAFETY PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING INSTANT DYES FOR NATURAL FIBRES AND FABRICS DYES ARE NOT TOYS, DYES CONTAIN SUBSTANCES WHICH IF NOT HANDLED CORRECTLY CAN BE HARMFUL TO HUMAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. THIS IS HOW YOU HANDLE THESE DYES SAFELY: ALWAYS WEAR WATERPROOF GLOVES AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING WHEN HANDLING THESE DYES INSTANT DYES ARE FOR DYING FABRICS AND FIBRES - DO NOT DYE HAIR OR PUT ON HUMAN BODY DO NOT DRINK DO NOT SPRAY DYES DO NOT POUR DYES DOWN THE SINK - SURPLUS DYES SHOULD BE STORED FOR LATER USE. IF DYES ARE ACCIDENTALLY DRUNK IN ANY QUANTITY CALL NATIONAL POISONS INFORMATION HOTLINE 131126

Our dyes are full strength and not watered down, they are a 1ml to 2 gr ratio dye.

INSTANT DYE: This dye grabs into the fibre and colours it instantly. It is fantastic for colour testing, making painted backgrounds for embroidery, colouring that little bit of thread for a project, or using in print paste for intense colour.

We also sell 1 ltr bottles please enquire about this wholesale option

DYES: wholesale enquiries minimum orders apply