Help... how do I set colors?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Appleton Wisconsin
Posts: 223
I'm almost fifnised piecing a bitak top and while pressing I noticed some bleeding of color. Is there a way to set the colors? This is for a gift and I was planing to wash before I give it but I believe I've heard soaking it in vingar to set it. If that's the way I need to know the ratio. Any help would be great.
Vicky
Vicky
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Retayne sets unset dye; however, it is typically used on fabric yardage before the fabric is cut for piecing. This is because any bleeds into other fabrics will be permanently set.
The usual treatment for a quilt top like yours is to wash the finished quilt with Synthrapol. Synthrapol is designed to suspend unset dye particles in water so they can be rinsed away instead of settling into other fabrics. For this you need to use hot water and the biggest washing machine you can find -- so there is lots of water for the unset dye to stay suspended. You can also toss in lots of color catchers (in lingerie bags so they don't shred).
Vinegar and salt set some types of organic dyes; however, almost all dyes used now commercially are chemical dyes which require chemical setting agents.
Your bleeding fabric is most likely one that is over-saturated with dye (more dye than the fabric fibers can absorb). A few washings with Synthrapol are likely to take care of this problem.
Less common, although it still happens, is a dye that has not been properly set in the factory. This type of fabric can continue to bleed with every washing unless the dye is permanently set with Retayne. Some fabrics require two treatments with Retayne.
The usual treatment for a quilt top like yours is to wash the finished quilt with Synthrapol. Synthrapol is designed to suspend unset dye particles in water so they can be rinsed away instead of settling into other fabrics. For this you need to use hot water and the biggest washing machine you can find -- so there is lots of water for the unset dye to stay suspended. You can also toss in lots of color catchers (in lingerie bags so they don't shred).
Vinegar and salt set some types of organic dyes; however, almost all dyes used now commercially are chemical dyes which require chemical setting agents.
Your bleeding fabric is most likely one that is over-saturated with dye (more dye than the fabric fibers can absorb). A few washings with Synthrapol are likely to take care of this problem.
Less common, although it still happens, is a dye that has not been properly set in the factory. This type of fabric can continue to bleed with every washing unless the dye is permanently set with Retayne. Some fabrics require two treatments with Retayne.
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Appleton Wisconsin
Posts: 223
Thanks. I guess I'm running to the store. I actually wouldn't mind some bleeding as the pattern is Island Sunshine. I don't want to take the chance of too much.
It's so nice to know where to go for help and get answers so fast. Thanks again. I'll post the picture when (if) I get it done.
Vicky
It's so nice to know where to go for help and get answers so fast. Thanks again. I'll post the picture when (if) I get it done.
Vicky
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Originally Posted by scrapngmom
I have a high efficiancy washer that uses very little water. Can you still use Synthrepol in the washer or do I need to go to the laundry mat??? And, can I use it in the washers in the laundry mat???
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