CIBA Washfast Acid Dyes Datasheet (6 MB pdf)
Acid dyes are a large class of chemical dyes applied mainly to wool, silk and other animal fibers. They are named "acid" because they are made from organic acids and need acid in the dyebath in order to react with the fiber.
Devoré Datasheet (1300 KB pdf) Devoré is a fascinating textile process of etching a pattern into cloth using a paste which burns away specific fibres. Sensuous cloth reminiscent of antique velvet, lace and cut work can be obtained, along with dynamic contemporary creations.
Discharge Datasheet (6 MB pdf)
Dishcharging is the removal of colour from fabric, either as a means to change its colour or as a design technique. Not all dyes may be discharged, nor may all fibers withstand the discharging agent.
Floorcloth Datasheet (440 KB pdf) Floorcloths are simply a painted canvas for the floor. The canvas is primed before painting and then varnished many times to protect it from wear. Floorcloths date back at least as far as 14th century France. These instructions will take you through all the necessary steps to create your own design.
Indigo and Woad (220 KB pdf) An overview of the life of this famous dye with information on the difference between synthetic and natural indigo. These instructions also include everything you need to know in order to setup your own indigo or woad vat.
Marbling (220 KB pdf) Marbled designs are often found on the stunning endpapers of traditionally bound books, but the technique can also be worked on fabric. Our instructions take you through the process to marble either material.
Natural Dyeing An thorough introduction to dyeing with natural dyes. This eleven-page PDF includes dye recipies, information on mordants, assistants, water, and extracts. Newly revised.
Japanese Paste-Resist Dying (440 KB pdf) A variety of dye techniques are possible through the use of a flour-based paste resist. Our instructions provide background to the techniques as well as recipies and instructions for creating your own paste-resist.
Telana / Lanaset dyes. (5 MB pdf) Telana is the new name for Lanaset Dyes. These instructions describe the use of these extremely lightfast and washfast synthetic dyes.
Procion H
One of the most popular dyes for handpainting on silk and cotton is Procion H Liquid concentrate. These dyes produce jewel-like colours on most natural fibers. Procion H is a liquid dye that is fiber reactive and can be used successfully on silk, cotton, linen, rayon, wool, ramie and paper.
Procion MX Dying (1.6 MB pdf)
Procion MX Powder Dyes are vibrant and extremely concentrated. they are unique in that the dye molecule forms a chemical bond with the fiber to produce exceptionally brilliant shades that have excellent wash and light fastness.
Resists
An overview of types of resist and general instructions for thier use.
Silk Painting (1900 KB pdf)
Silk has reigned for centuries as the queen of textiles. Even in this age of high technology we must rely upon a carefully coddled caterpillar for the pleasure of silk. Four to ten strands must be spun together to create a durable, practical thread. The thread is then woven into a variety of fabric weaves retaining the beautiful hand and luminescent quality that make silk a joy
to hand paint
Stretching and Steaming (440 KB pdf) These instructions take you through the process of preparing frames and stretching silk or cotton. Also included are instructions for steaming fabric as a means to set the dye.
Vat Dye Datasheet (360 KB pdf) Vat dyes are discharge dyes which enable the replacement of a background colour through various processes of appliction. Vat dyes can be used to replace a previously dyed, fairly dark ground colour without effecting the hand of the cloth.
