Dyeing with Kenanthrol Acid dyes

Instructions for dyeing fleece and wool in a microwave oven and on a stove top. Kenanthrol acid milling dyes are suitable dyes for fleece, wool, silk and other protein fibres. As the name implies these dyes require a hot acidic dye bath for the dye to bond with the fibre. These dyes can be used in a conventional way on a stove top or they can be used in the microwave oven. The colours are all intermixable so you will be able to mix the colours as you would in a paint box.

A word about safety

Although these dyes are amongst the safest on the market, It is best to avoid inhaling the dry dye powder. Where possible use the dye in solution. If you are using the powder for any length of time it is wise to use a facemask, (available from most  DIY stores). Clean any spills as you go, to avoid unwanted stains. Protect yourself and the work surfaces and keep the dyes away from children, food and pets. Do not use dye utensils for food preparation.

Washing raw fleece prior to dyeing

Soak half a fleece at a time in a bath full of hot water with a large helping of detergent. Make sure you agitate the wool as little as possible as this will lead to felting. Drain off water and dirt after 45 minutes and rinse in hot clean water. Depending on how dirty the fleece is you may have to do this again. It is a good idea to add half a cup of vinegar to the final rinse if the fleece is very strong smelling. Place in a muslin bag or a pillow case and fast spin in the washing machine. If you don’t have access to a washing machine, roll up in a large towel and squeeze hard. Lay fleece out to dry.

Other wools and fibres.

You need to make sure they are thoroughly clean as this will affect the efficiency of the dye. I give most fibres a good soaking in detergent and a good rinse beforehand just to make sure any greasy coatings have been removed.

Dyeing with Kenanthrol acid dyes

Quantities of dye and fixative needed for 100g dry weight of fabric

3 litres of water per 100g fabric

 For pale shades -0.1 – 0.2g per 100g of fibre, ¼ of a cup of vinegar or 6g of ammonium sulphate

 For Medium  shades -0.5 – 1g per 100g of fibre, ¼ of a cup of vinegar or 6g of ammonium sulphate

 For Medium  shades -1.5 – 2g per 100g of fibre, ¼ of a cup of vinegar or 6g of ammonium sulphate

 For Medium  shades -3 – 4g per 100g of fibre, ¼ of a cup of vinegar or 6g of ammonium sulphate

Make sure the wool or fabric is clean You need to make sure your material is thoroughly clean as oils, sizing and other contaminants can affect the efficiency of the dye. I give most fibres a good soaking in detergent and a good rinse beforehand just to make sure any greasy coatings have been removed.

Method for dyeing  Kenanthrol Acid dye on the stove top for 100g of fibre

1. Measure approx. 3 litres of warm water per 100g of fibre into a pan, preferably stainless steel as other metals may affect the dye shade. There should be enough water to allow the fibre to float freely.
2. In hard water areas add 3gms Calgon – dissolve
3. Dissolve 6g of Fixing Agent (Ammonium Sulphate) or add 1/4 cup of white vinegar per 100g of fabric
4. Weigh out dye powder. In a separate dish add a little warm water, mix to a paste. Add boiling water to dissolve. Add dissolved dye to dye bath
5. Add damp fabric to the dye bath and stir gently with a wooden, plastic or stainless-steel implement.
6. Raise temperature slowly to 95°C. Continue at this temperature for 20mins or (30mins for   strong shades).
7. Remove from dye bath, rinse in tepid water. Finally wash with detergent and leave to dry.