Organic Dyes and Pigments Types and Styles

Know the types of organic dyes and pigments available

An organic pigment is a pigment or dye that uses only natural ingredients to achieve bright colors for fabrics, paper, food and other commercial products. Even though natural organic pigments are made from natural elements, the substance can still be toxic or volatile during the dyeing process. Many organic dyes work well with natural and synthetic fabrics.

There are many organic fabric dye products that can be used in a typical dyebath. These products alone, or in combination with other organic substances, can create a rainbow of colors. The most common organic dyes and pigments types and styles for fabrics include:

1. Acidic dyes for products such as acrylic and nylon;

2. Basic dyes for creating natural organic pigments on wool and silk;

3. Pastes and powders easing the dispersal method of dyeing large surface areas.

 

Choose acid organic fabric dyes for dying specific fabrics

Acid dyes are applied to many types of fabrics including wool, silk, acrylic and nylon. Acid dyes use the process of salt formation in the dye to allow uptake of the dye onto the fibers. Acid dyes are also used in the dyebath process when basic dyes are used. This neutralizes the dyebath for better uptake.
Try: Organic Dyestuffs provides information on organic acid dyes, what types of fabric take the dyes and the range of colors available. CQ Concepts provides specifications for citric acid powder, a common component in organic acid dyes.

Use basic organic dye for specialty fabrics and paper

Basic dyes are used for acrylic, leather, silk and wool fibers. This type of dye is also used in the process of coloring paper products. Basic dyes are water soluble and are usually used in combination with acidic dyes. This combination of acids and bases in a dyebath assists the uptake of the dye into the fibers.
Try: StainsFile provides more information on basic dyes. All About Hand Dyeing provides a guide on hand dyeing acrylic materials with basic dyes.

Buy organic dye that uses the best dispersal method of coloring

Disperse dyes are not soluble in water. This makes using disperse dyeing a two-part process. The first part of the dye is a paste or powder. Then the dye is added to a dyebath along with a specific dispersing agent. Some specific applications of a disperse dye requires a temperature of 266 degrees Fahrenheit and a pressurized dyebath to achieve the best color. This process is commonly used for polyester, nylon and other synthetic fibers.
Try: Dyes & Pigments provides a buyers guide for dyes that includes information on the proper dispersion rate dyes. Great Vista Chemicals provides additional information and specifications for different types of disperse dyes.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---