Archive for the “What the heck is……?” Category

What the Heck is: PROsoft K

Published on February 23, 2010 in What the heck is......?. View Comments
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PROsoft K

In this second installment of our What the Heck is: series we’re addressing another issue encountered in the dyeing process. Stiffening of the fabric’s hand is a constant challenge for dyers and this semi-permanent fabric softener may be just the answer. Used on cottons, silks and synthetic fabrics PROsoft K will not discolor when exposed to heat treatments and ageing.

Master dyer David Paulin points out that the product is manufactured for use on yardage rather than garments which have usually been treated with sizing or other additives complicating the process. “It takes experience to tweak it for use on garments,” he says, and trial and error is sometimes the only way of successfully returning a soft hand to the piece. David successfully uses the product on clothing. While the required “precision may be daunting, it is possible” our expert says.

Interestingly, David believes that the home user tends to be more cavalier about following directions than experienced professionals. Meant for commercial use, a heavy duty dye like Dylon should be used to insure color fastness. Rit, for example, will not stand up to the process. “People must understand that this isn’t Downy [Fabric Softener], this is industrial strength,” David says.

It is important that the temperature be maintained within the manufacturers recommended range, 105º – 120ºF (41º – 49ºC). Some “Energy Efficient” machines may not get hot enough so you’ll have to heat water on the stove and use a thermometer to check the temperature. It is essential to maintain the heat level for a successful result.

This is a chemical containing formaldehyde and must be used with caution, warns David. The manufacturer recommends that rubber gloves, an apron or old clothes as well as eye wear be worn, illustrative of the product’s strength. David suggests thirty minutes of rinsing as opposed to the recommended twenty. If the product isn’t thoroughly rinsed, it can actually burn the skin touching the cloth.

All these caveats aside, this product used properly is a highly effective finish to your dyeing process. It is like baking compared with cooking – precision, not innovation is the rule. Check out this link for exact instructions on how to use PROsoft K .

Cheryl (with roger kimpton)

What the heck is…Synthrapol

Published on November 19, 2009 in What the heck is......?. View Comments
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Synthrapol

Synthrapol

This posting begins a series on particular products we feel you may want to consider adding to your “kit”. Periodically, we’ll highlight some esoteric item that will make your life easier and share it with you.

We begin today with the special detergent Synthrapol, used in several phases of dyeing; it is composed of water, isopropanol* and detergent. It will remove sizing from the fabric before coloring, remove excess dye, and, my favorite use, it serves as a concentrated wetting agent, i.e., a surfacant.

Please, don’t glaze over in anticipation of a return to the dreaded Chem class. This will be quick and, actually, kind of cool.

A surfacant is a substance that tends to reduce the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved, in this case facilitating even color distribution. All detergents are composed of long thin molecules with polar opposite ends. One end is hydrophobic, it is repelled by water, and, therefore,  clings to oil (your excess dye) while the other is hydrophilic, that’s right, it’s drawn to water. One end of the molecule wraps around the dye while the other propels it away from the fabric holding it suspended in the water so it can easily rinse away. If you take a moment and visualize it, it is really remarkable.

How I use it: I dissolve the dye in the washing machine tub filled with hot water  (140°F)  and add a capful of Synthrapol. I have found the dye invariably distributes evenly. Some manufacturers disagree on the exact amount recommended. Companies with laboratory experience offer disparate quantity recommendations, my capful, however, has consistently worked in the field. Basically, a little bit of this product goes a long way to giving you a better product in a difficult job.

While Synthrapol is the best “tool” for this job, in a pinch, I’ve had success by adding a couple of drops of hand dish soap to the tub.

* the State of California has determined that isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) is “known…to cause reproductive harm.” The reality is, pregnant women should eschew the dyeing process all together.

Cheryl (with Roger Kimpton)