Download the PDF files from the Instruction Page
Acid dyes are warm/hot water dyes for silk, wool, feathers and nylon. Known for their vibrancy and wash fastness, they are one of the easiest dyes to use and require only the addition of household white vinegar (or citric acid). We carry forty colours. Each jar (15gm) of Acid Dye will dye approximately two pounds of fabric.
How to use G&S Acid Dyes
Stove-top (for silk/nylon/wool) – ideal method
Step 1
Wash fabric to remove dirt and sizing.
Step 2
Fill a metal pot with enough hot water to more then cover your fabric. Turn on the stove. If you are dyeing silk, raise the temperature to just below a simmer. For wool and feathers, heat to almost a boil.
Step 3
Add dye powder to the pot and stir to dissolve. For more precise dyeing, weigh your fabric when it is dry. Generally, you will require 2-4% of the dry weight in dye powder for a medium intensity. Add the damp fabric to the dye bath. Stir for a few minutes and add 65ml (1/4 c.) of vinegar (1tsp citric acid). Keeping the temperature even, stir for about 20-30 minutes.
Step 4
Remove fabric from dye bath and rinse with T.N.A. soap
Bucket Method (for silk)
Step 1
Wash fabric to remove dirt and sizing.
Step 2
Fill your bucket with enough HOT water to more than cover your fabric. Add the dye and dissolve thoroughly.
Step 3
Place the damp fabric into the bucket. Agitate for two minutes.
Step 4
Remove fabric and add one cup (250mL) of household white vinegar (or 1 Tbsp citric acid). Return fabric to bucket.
Step 5
Continue stirring fabric until water is almost completely clear, (about 10-15 minutes). Keep in mind that wet fabric will dry quite a bit lighter. Restart the cycle if the fabric is not dark enough. If necessary, add more dye.
Step 6
Remove fabric and rinse with cool running water until water runs clear. Wash with T.N.A. soap
Washing Machine Method (for silk)
Step 1
Wash fabric to remove dirt and sizing.
Step 2
Set your washing machine to the gentle cycle and use a hot wash/cool rinse. Fill your machine with enough HOT water to more than cover your fabric. Add the dye and dissolve thoroughly.
Step 3
Place the damp fabric into the machine. Agitate for two minutes.
Step 4
Remove fabric and add one cup of household white vinegar (or 1 Tbsp citric acid). Return fabric to machine.
Step 5
Let the wash cycle continue until water is almost completely clear. Stop the machine and examine your results. Keep in mind that wet fabric will dry quite a bit lighter. Restart the cycle if the fabric is not dark enough. If necessary, add more dye.
Step 6
Remove fabric from washing machine. Rinse with cool water and T.N.A. soap until water runs clear.
Note: Acid dyes are extremely easy to use. For more precise results, the temperature of the dye bath, quantity of dye and time in the dye bath, as well as the ph level of the water, must be kept consistent.
Safety
Common sense should be used when handling dyes and chemicals. Prolonged inhalation of dye powder can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Avoid breathing in the powder and wear a dust mask and rubber gloves. Keep out of eyes and mouth and always supervise children. Keep dyes in a closed container in a cool, dry place. MSDS available on request.