Procion MX instructions

Dip dyeing

For dip dyeing or tub dyeing, the fibre to be dyed is immersed into a dye bath for a certain time.
The dye bath consists of water, the right amount of dye and the corresponding chemical agents.
To achieve a uniform colour, the dye bath has to be stirred frequently.
For the dye bath, you can use a big enamel or stainless steel container or a plastic bucket.

Stirring of fibre reactive dye baths

To achieve a uniform dye, the fibre should move freely in the dye bath.
Additional water in the dye bath dilutes the dyes more than necessary, it weakens the colour tone and prolongs the dye time. The larger the tub, the longer the dyeing takes, the fewer dye molecules penetrate the fibre.
To avoid an uneven dye, stir frequently in the dye bath (every two to five minutes). Wear rubber gloves for stirring and lift the fibres out of the dye bath. Unfold the textile and lay the fibre back into the dye bath in a different arrangement.

General amounts of dye, salt and soda per 10 l of water and 500g of fabric:

For very light colour tones: 1g (1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon) of dye, 350g (11⁄2 cups) of salt, 55g (1/4 cup) of soda
For light colour tones: 3g (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) of dye, 350g (11/2 cups) of salt, 55g (1/4 cup) of soda
For medium colour tones: 8g (1 tablespoon) of dye, 350g (11/2 cups) of salt, 55g (1/4 cup) of soda
For dark colour tones: 15g (2 tablespoons) of dye, 450g (2 cups) of salt, 55g (1/4 cup) of soda
For the darkest colour tones: 30g (4 table spoons) of dye, 675g (3 cups) of salt, 75g (1/3 cup) of soda

Dip dyeing of cellulose fibres (cotton, linen, hemp, viscose etc.)

For 500g dry weight of fabric or fibre (3 to 6 square meter of fabric oder 3 t-shirts)
Materials:
- 10 litres of warm water (40°C)
- Procion® MX dye (amounts see above)
- 50 - 75g (1/4 to 1/3 cup) of soda
- 350 - 675g (1,5 to 3 cups) of PATIN-A dye salt or kitchen salt (non iodised)
- Synthrapol® for pre- and post-rinse

There are two immersion bath methods for dyeing with Procion® MX.

Be sure to prewash the fabric to remove dirt, grease or finish. We recommend the use of Synthrapol®.

Method 1

Dyeing:
1. Fill a container (e.g. a 15 litre plastic bucket) with 10 litres of warm tap water (40°C).
Add salt and dye in the appropriate proportions. You will find the amounts in the paragraph above (General amounts of dye).
2. Add the moist fabric or fibre.
3. Stir frequently for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Take the fabric out of the dye liquor and add soda.
It is helpful to first dissolve the soda in a separate container in a little warm water, then stir it into the dye bath.
5. Put the fabric back into the dye bath and stir frequently for 30 to 60 minutes (depending on the desired intensity).

Method 2

Dyeing:
1. Fill a container (e.g. a 15 litre plastic bucket) with 10 litres of warm (40°C) tap water.
Add salt and dye in the appropriate proportions. You will find the amounts in the paragraph above (General amounts of dye).
2. Add the moist fabric or fibre.
3. Add the salt in three equal parts 5 minutes apart. If you want to dye a deep blue shade or a deep black, use twice the amount of salt (in two equal parts 15 minutes apart) and stir the dye bath frequently.
4. Add the soda in 2 equal parts 15 minutes apart, still stirring the dye bath frequently.
(it is helpful to first dissolve the soda in a separate container in a little hot water).
5. Continue dyeing for further 30 to 60 minutes after the last soda addition.

Rinsing:
- Rinse the dyed textiles/fibres first in cold, then gradually warmer water (wear rubber gloves).
- After 3 to 4 rinses, when the water is almost clear, prepare a soapy water. Use 7 to 10 litres of very warm tap water and 7.5ml (1.5 teaspoons) of Synthrapol®. The fibres/textiles should lay for 5 to 10 minutes in this soap bath.
- Rinse the fibre 3 to 4 further times with warm water.
- The use of Jacquard Dyeset Concentrate or Jacquard iDye Fixative during the first rinse will ensure long-lasting colours.

Machine Dyeing

Washing machine dyeing of cellulose fibres (cotton, linen, hemp, viscose etc.)

For 1.5 - 2.5 kg of fabric (approx. 8 to 10 t-shirts)

Make sure to wash the fabric first to remove dirt, grease or finish. We recommend the use of Synthrapol®.

You need:
- A standard washing machine (front load or top load)
- Procion® MX dye (you need twice as much dye as for an immersion dye!)
- 500g (2 cups) of soda (750g - 3 cups - for darker shades)
- 1000g of PATIN-A dye salt or 1500g of kitchen salt (non iodised)
- 30ml (2 table spoons) of Synthrapol® for prewashing and rinsing

The following instructions are for European front loading or top loading washing machines (instructions for US-machines, see the Jacquard home page):

1. Set the machine on the longest wash time (without prewash). Use the 60°C temperature setting.
2. Put the wet fabric in the machine and start the machine (select the longest wash cycle possible). If your machine allows, extend the wash cycle before starting the dye.
3. Using separate containers, dissolve the salt in approx. 1.5 l of hot water, the dye in approx. 500ml of hot water and the soda in approx. 1.5 l of hot water.
4. Add salt, dye and soda to the machine.
5. Wash as long as your machine allows, for at least 50 minutes (30 minutes for pastel shades).
6. Rinse the laundry after dyeing. To remove dye residues, run a complete wash cycle with hot water and Synthrapol®.
Note: After dyeing in the machine, we recommend to clean the machine according to the recommendations of the manufacturer and to run a short wash cycle with clear water before the next use. This is particularly important for front loading machines, as very often liquids remain in the seal around the door or in the outer tub of the machine.

Good Luck!