Colour
Main Index 

The traditional method of printing with dye is to add the dye to a thickener paste. This method can be used for screen printing, hand-painting, and stamping and many other direct application techniques. It is important to prepare the fiber by washing to remove the sizing.

1. Wash, dry and iron the fabric.
2. Prepare dye thickener paste (see below).
3. Add dye, either powder or stock solution, to thickener. Proportion the dye in the container in relation to the amount of thickener paste and desired intensity.
4. Print, paint, or stamp on fabric.
5. Air dry. Steam set. (See Steam setting directions.)

Preparing Dye Thickener
When screen printing with dye thickened with sodium alginate, the print base should be as thin as the image will allow. Dye printed in too thick a base will halo from the image before the fabric is cured or will accumulate in the corners, altering the image. Sodium Alginate SH is a high viscosity, low solids type of alginate thickener used primarily for cotton and other cellulose fibers. It may also be used for silk when fine line definition is not required. Sodium Alginate F is a low viscosity, high solids alginate used for silks and synthetics when fine line definition is desired. Use about 2 1/2 times more of the F to equal the viscosity of SH.

1. Mix chemical water by adding ¼ cup of urea to 1 quart of water.
2. Sprinkle sodium alginate over water and stir constantly for 10 minutes, OR mix in blender.
3. Let stand for a few hours or overnight before using. Mixture may be stored in refrigerator for many months.