Directions for use of Jacquard Acid Dyes

Don’t let the name fool you. Acid dyes do not contain acid or any other harmful chemicals. In fact, it they have a neutral
pH, like water. The only thing acidic is the white vinegar you add during use. Jacquard Acid Dyes are the dye of choice for silk, wool, nylon, feathers or any protein (animal) fibre. For cotton or any other plant fibres use Jacquard Procion MX dyes.

Versatility:

Jacquard Acid Dyes are extremely brilliant and colour fast. If you can do a load of laundry, you can use these dyes. In addition to garment dyeing in a washing machine, you can use it to paint, print or airbrush.

Economy:

One half ounce of Jacquard Acid Dye will colour about two pounds of fabric. Yardage will vary by weight and width of fibre or fabric.

Safety:

Jacquard Acid Dyes are considered non-toxic when used properly. Common sense and good housekeeping should be used when handling any dye or chemical.

Stove Top Method:

Add dye powder to one quart of very hot water and stir until completely dissolved. Fill a metal pot with enough hot water for the fabric to swim freely. Add dye & ¼ cup of white vinegar. Turn on the heat and add clean, wet fabric. Raise the temperature to between 80c to 90c, maintain temperature and stir occasionally for ½ hour. Wash in soap and cool water. The final colour depends on the time in the dye bath, concentration of dye bath and temperature.

Jacquard Acid Dyes for Silk Painting:

For professional silk painters who steam set, liquid acid dyes provide the brightest, most intense colours in the world.
To make your own liquid acid dyes for silk painting, use the following recipe:
                Add 8oz. (1 cup) of very hot water to one 5oz jar of Jacquard Acid Dye powder. Distilled water is recommended.
                Stir until dissolved. This will yield a very concentrated dye solution. Most colours require further dilution.
                Start by adding 4 oz. (1/2 cup) of water, test colour and continue adding water until desired shade is achieved.
                Most colours will remain stable for a long period of time. Some colours will fall out of solution after a few weeks.
                To restore them to liquid solution, heat on the stove. A small amount (about 1 tablespoon) of alcohol can be added
                to the dye solution as a wetting agent.

Use these directions as guidelines. Acid dyes are quite forgiving and amenable to variations in procedure. The more you experiment, the more you will discover.