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Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2016 13:38:39 GMT
Hello ladies
I have been reading conflicting information : how long can one store already mixed dyes? I'm referring specifically to the Procion MX dyes and the Jacquard Acid dyes (yup, I bought some! <LOL>)
Some say one week only stored in the fridge. Others say "will last for months on end".
So what is the real truth?
I would absolutely hate keeping my mixed dyes in the fridge!
I do know that dyes (mixed or not) should be kept in a cool and dark spot but really want to know about the shelf life once it has been mixed.
Looking forward to hearing your expert opinions :-)
Regards Linn
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Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2016 13:47:08 GMT
OK ... here's what Jacquard has to say :-)
We recommend 7 - 14 days if the dye is kept in a cool environment. You can do a quick test of the dyes - a small piece of cloth, presoaked in soda ash, drip a bit of dye on it, bag it up and let it rest for a couple of hours, then rinse. If the color seems good, go for it!
Make sure you don't get any soda ash into the dye liquor or it will react within an hour and be no good for dyeing.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2016 13:48:07 GMT
So that means ... either dye up a huge amount of fabric over a couple of days' time <gasp!> or only make up very small batches of dye stock. Am I correct?
Regards Linn
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Post by Pandagirl on Sept 5, 2016 14:43:48 GMT
Procion dyes do not last that long. I'd say a week tops. Acid dyes when mixed can last for years. I don't refrigerate any of my dye mixes. I have had some of the mixes go bad, but it's been rare. If that happens I toss it and make a new batch. I only make about 8 to ten ounces of each color and keep them in jars in a cabinet.
Procion dyes are also useful for low immersion dyeing. But I prefer acid dyes because I don't have mix as often and most everything I dye is silk or wool.
When I use Procion I generally try to make only as much as I need. I also find that there is a lot more washout with them than acid dyes.
Jacquard also sells liquid silk dyes that can be used on wool or silk, but they are small bottles and work nicely for small amounts wrapped in plastic wrap or a ziploc bag and steamed. They also offer a dye set concentrate as an alternative to steaming.
I hope that helps.
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Post by Pandagirl on Sept 5, 2016 14:46:12 GMT
OK ... here's what Jacquard has to say :-) We recommend 7 - 14 days if the dye is kept in a cool environment. You can do a quick test of the dyes - a small piece of cloth, presoaked in soda ash, drip a bit of dye on it, bag it up and let it rest for a couple of hours, then rinse. If the color seems good, go for it! Make sure you don't get any soda ash into the dye liquor or it will react within an hour and be no good for dyeing. I assume here they are talking about Procion with the soda ash. i use vinegar with acid dyes.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2016 14:47:23 GMT
It helped a lot, thanks Marilyn :-)
Wait till the goodies arrive and I start mixing and dyeing ... then I will really bombard this forum with questions! <LOL>
Regards Linn
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Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2016 14:48:47 GMT
Marilyn, what I have read a couple of times is when you steam the dyed fabric and you used vinegar, apparently it stinks up the whole house. So I would rather stick to using the soda ash because I can find it really cheap over here.
Regards Linn
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Post by Pandagirl on Sept 5, 2016 14:53:12 GMT
I'm glad it helped Linn. Just remember any utensils, equipment or jars, etc, should be solely dedicated to dyeing. Also a mask when mixing powder dyes. And gloves.
As far as vinegar smell it doesn't last that long and here is much cheaper and easier to get than soda ash. It's all a personal preference and the kind of results you can get. I'd say experiment and decide for yourself. I don't think I've ever used soda ash with acid dyes. Let us know how it all works out. Have fun!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 5, 2016 14:56:57 GMT
Thanks Marilyn ... I love being here! :-)
Yup, I know about the dedicated utensils, masks and gloves .. and most important plastic table cloths!!!! Robert will absolutely divorce me if I spill a drop of dye anywhere! <LOL> I already have a huge plastic storage bin where I will keep all my dyeing utensils in, away from all the cats and out of the kitchen where it can never ever be used by anybody.
I do know he is going to freak out if I want to steam my locks and rovings in the microwave! <LOL> I will have to stock up on his favourite treats to pacify him :-)
Regards Linn
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Post by MTRuth on Sept 5, 2016 18:30:22 GMT
Linn,
You use soda ash with Procion dyes and you use an acid such as vinegar or citric acid with acid dyes. The soda ash will not work with the acid dyes.
I don't think the vinegar smells all that much. You can do your dyeing outside on a barbecue or camp stove as well. Ann gave you a link on another post for the Paula Burch site. I would definitely check that out as she has the most comprehensive, correct information available about dyeing.
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Post by MTRuth on Sept 5, 2016 18:32:34 GMT
I forgot to say that I have kept Procion dyes for more than a month (without any soda ash added) and they still worked. The colors are never as good though. They have a tendency to split and give funny dyed colors.
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Post by Pandagirl on Sept 5, 2016 19:08:21 GMT
I believe microwaves should be dedicated as well for dyeing. I don't microwave for dyeing so I'm not the expert here. But I believe I read it somewhere. I'm sure the others have more experience and give you the right advice.
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Post by MTRuth on Sept 5, 2016 19:18:22 GMT
Yes, you should have a dedicated microwave just for dyeing.
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Post by Shepherdess on Sept 6, 2016 23:50:45 GMT
I like to use citric acid instead of vinegar for my acid dye. It doesn't smell so the men don't complain. You can get it a baking supply or bulk food stores. You also need less citric acid than vinegar. It is stronger. They are right no soda ash with acid dyes or wool.
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Post by Leonor (of Eleanor Shadow) on Sept 11, 2016 15:03:21 GMT
Between vinegar and citric acid, the latter is by far the better option - no smell, much stronger and I also think it produces more consistent results.
However, if you're dyeing anything with sparkle (angelina fibres) in it, do use vinegar, as citric acid tends to dull the reflectiveness of the fibre. I think this is also true of silk, but I can't be sure (anyone know?)
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