Immersion Instructions

IMMERSION DYING with Procion Fiber-reactive Dye

For use on cotton, linen, rayon, and other plant fibers. Can also be used on silk. Use enamel or plastic containers/ utensils only.

1. Prewash fabric in hot water using mild soap and NO FABRIC SOFTENER. This removes finishes from fabric that may inhibit dye reception.

2. To begin dye bath, first presoak fabric in cool tap water for 15 minutes or more.


3. Check water level during presoak. The water should cover textiles and allow for free movement, but no more water than is necessary should be used. Remove textiles from presoak bath and place aside. Measure water. This amount of water determines the amount of dye, salt and soda ash you will use.


4. Add salt to the (presoak) water and stir to dissolve.
   
   Amount of salt per quart of water:
   
   light shade - 2 tablespoons (Tbsp)
   medium shade - 3 Tbsp
   dark shade - 4 Tbsp
   
   
5. Add dye to water bath and stir to dissolve.

If using dye already mixed with water for class:

Amount of dye per quart of water:

light shade - 1/4 teaspoon (tsp)
medium shade - 1 tsp
dark shade - 2 tsp

If using straight dye powder from Procion container:

Amount of dye per quart of water:

light shade - 1/16 tsp
medium shade - 1/4 tsp
dark shade - 1/2 tsp


Add presoaked fabric to dye bath and stir continuously for 10-15 minutes. Remove fabric from dye bath and put aside.

6. Dissolve the correct amount soda ash (sodium carbonate) in a small amount of hot water. Add this mixture to dye bath and stir until fully dissolved. Replace cloth into bath and stir continuously for 5 minutes, then stir every 5 minutes for the next 60 minutes.

Use 1 Tbsp of soda ash per quart of water.


7. Discard dye bath and rinse until water runs clear, then wash with a small amount of synthropol or light built soap and rinse again. You can never rinse too much! Blot squeezed fabric between paper and hang to dry.
   

   Equivalent Measures:
   
   1 Tbsp = 3 tsp
   1/4 cup = 4 Tbsp
   1/3 cup = 5 Tbsp + 1 tsp
   1/2 cup = 8 Tbsp
   1 cup = 16 Tbsp
   1 pint = 2 cups
   1 quart = 4 cups or 2 pints
   1 gallon = 4 quarts