Procion Dye Instructions

Procion dyes are used for dyeing plant-based fibers, most commonly 100 percent cotton, but also rayon and linen. These dyes are available in a wide range of colors and can be mixed to achieve custom shades. Procion dyes are easy to use and you can dye in the washer or in a large tub, pail or pot. You can also paint on dye, dip dye, use batik resist techniques or tie-dye with Procion dyes. Fiber reactive dyes are permanent and colorfast when you use the proper dyeing technique.

Supplies

Typical dyeing with Procion dyes requires non-iodized table salt and soda ash; however, you can also use urea to lend a deeper color to your fabric. You will also need a large plastic, enamel or stainless steel pot or bucket. A large, new cat litter pan can work well. Look for a container with at least a 2 gallon capacity, and preferably somewhat more for even dyeing. Avoid using containers or utensils you plan to use for food. Disposable chopsticks work well for stirring small containers, but you will need a dowel rod or large wooden spoon for stirring the fabric as it dyes.

Dyeing your Fabric

Mix 1/2 oz. of Procion dye with a small of water in a disposable plastic cup and stir well. Fill your dye vat or washer with approximately 2 gallons of hot tap water. Add the dissolved dye and stir. Pour 1 to 1 1/2 lbs. of non-iodized salt into the water and stir to dissolve. The salt pushes the dye into the fabric, helping to create an even, rich color. Use the higher amount of salt for very dark colors. Allow the fabric to sit in the dye for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Dissolve 2 tbsp. of soda ash in 1 cup of hot water and add this to the dye vat. Let the fabric sit in the dye for 20 to 60 minutes, depending upon color. Wash in hot, soapy water and rinse well. You should wash the fabric several times, if needed, to eliminate all the excess dye. Allow your fabric to dry and it is ready to use.

Tie-Dye

One of the most common uses of fiber reactive Procion dyes is tie-dyeing. The mixes and methodology of tie-dyeing differs from vat dyeing in several ways. Prepare your fabric for dyeing by knotting, tying and gathering it as desired. Combine 1 cup of soda ash per 1 gallon of water and allow the fabric you want to dye to soak in this solution, wringing out the excess before dyeing. In squirt bottles, mix 1 cup lukewarm water, 2 to 8 tsp. of Procion dye and 1 tbsp. of urea, dissolved in a small amount of hot water. Squirt the dyes onto the tied and soaked clothing. When you are happy with the application of dye, secure the fabric into a sealed plastic bag for four to 24 hours. Remove and rinse well, then wash with Synthrapol detergent to set the dye and eliminate excess dye.

References

• Straw.com: Simplified Procion Instructions
• EarthGuild.com: Procion Immersion Dye Instructions
• DharmaTrading.com: Tie-Dye Instructions