Using commercial dye fixative to set tie-dye

Using commercial dye fixative to set tie-dye

Commercial dye fixative is used to set tie and dye created with all-purpose dyes. It helps attach the color to the fabric since they do not react with the fibers to create a long-lasting bond.

There is no standard procedure for using this type of dye fixer. You must follow the guidelines for use, as indicated in the pack.

For some brands, it is added into the dye powder, while for others, the freshly dyed fabric is immersed into a solution of the dye fixative.

Additional ways to improve colorfastness when tie-dying

With a good quality dye, you do not need to do anything to set the color of your tie-dye. But if you’d like to do more to help the color set further, you can use salt in the first rinse.

Some people swear by salt as one way to set tie-dye. While it is ok to use it in the final rinse, it should not be mixed with the dye unless instructed.

How to set tie dye using salt (non-iodized and pickling salt is best);

1. Fill your top loader washing machine with water.
2. Pour in ½-1 cup salt and dissolve.
3. Throw in your new tie-dyed garment and wash in the cold water wash cycle, rinse and hang dry.
4. If using a bucket, allow your articles to soak in the salt solution for about 30 minutes before rinsing.

How to set tie dye using heat

To further seal in the colors, heat may be used. This is the final step after all rinses, the last wash, and drying the garment. You can either iron the tie-dyed fabrics or use a dryer in a hot setting.

Using an iron

1. Line your ironing board with paper, preferable plain paper, or brown paper. Avoid newspaper or printed paper to prevent ink transfer.
2. Place the tie-dye fabric on the lined board and place another paper on top.
3. Iron the material at a high setting.

Dryer method

1. Find an old pillowcase and encapsulate the tie and dyed fabric in it.
2. Put it inside the dryer in a very hot setting for 10 minutes.

Always take care not to burn the clothes.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use baking soda instead of soda ash to set tie-dye?

If you have sensitive skin or tie-dying for kid’s clothes, soda ash may be too harsh. You may find some success using baking soda instead. However, you must follow it up with a heat setting and salt setting.

1. How long should the tie and dye sit?

It would be best if you let your tie and dye fabric sit for 2-24 hours undisturbed in warmth and covered in plastic to retain moisture.

1. Can you let tie dye sit for too long?

Not really. You can even leave it overnight. The longer it sits, the better the colors will set.

1. Can you use salt instead of soda ash?

In the absence of soda ash, or if tie-dyeing with kids, salt may be used as a substitute for soda ash, but you cannot expect the same results. Salt only helps the fibres take in the dye. For it to set, an alkaline PH is necessary.

1. Should you pre-soak items in soda ash if the dye is already premixed with it?

It won’t hurt to do so. Besides, some of the dye kits use very weak soda ash in their premix. You are treating your items before tie-dyeing increases the chances of color setting well.

Take home

A good quality dye overrides any dye fixative and is all it takes to ensure your colors set well in tie and dye projects. You do not have to add anything special, only follow instructions to the latter.

Similarly, no matter what you do to set tie-dye, it will not work if color is wrong. Fiber reactive dyes are the best for cotton, and cotton is the best for tie and dye.

You can set tie dye without vinegar. Soda ash or a commercial dye fixative is what you need. You may follow it up with salt or heat setting to increase your chances of success.