What are dyes?

A dye is a natural or an synthetic substance that has an affinity to the substrate to which it is to be applied. It can add a color or can change the color of any substance. The dye is generally applied in an aqueous solution and requires a mordant to improve the fastness of the dye on the fiber.

Dyes and Pigments have different properties and are used to create different effects.

Both dyes and pigments appear to be colored because they absorb some wavelengths of light more than others. In contrast with a dye, a pigment generally is insoluble, and has no affinity for the substrate. These are mixed with oil, water, etc. to make paint.

Natural dyes are dyes or colorants derived from plants, invertebrates, or minerals. These dyes are applied on the substances with the help of minerals or metal salts. The metal salts are alum (aluminum salt), iron or tin (called mordants).

The following facts will tell you, why do we use Natural dyes:

• Natural Dyes Provide Positive Working Condition:- The working environment with natural dyes is very pleasant. This good working environment is very much conducive for the workers. The non-toxic, no poisonous and pleasant environment makes the working condition positive.
• Natural Dyes are no Poisonous in Nature:- Most of the dyes, except Natural dyes are severally poisonous in nature. Due to this thing, when people use these dyes, then there may be a high risk of respiration disturbance of them.
• Natural Dyes are Environmental Friendly:- The various wasteful materials which produces during the applications and manufacturing process of synthetic dyes, make the environment poisonous and polluted. So, in this respect also natural dyes are environmental friendly

For every 100 gms of fabric weight, 5 gms of dyes should be used. There is a certain method for calculating the required quantity of dyes that has to be used.

No, pale colored dyes can not be used for dyeing strong colored substances.

Yes, one can hide the stain by dyeing because dyes can remove the stains. By coloring the stained area, the stain can be hidden, though this stained area will still look different from rest of the item.

The most dangerous kind of dyes are the basic dyes. These dyes have excellent dyeing performance on the acrylic fibers.