Can I use a PH Increase product as an alternative for soda ash?


Name: Fredric

—ADVERTISEMENTS—

Jacquard soda ash dye fixer 1 lb.
Jacquard Soda Ash Dye Fixer

Soda ash is a mild alkali that promotes the chemical reaction between fiber reactive dye and cellulose fiber. Soda ash is also known as sodium carbonate, washing soda, or sal soda.

image-1910599-10273655
sodium cabonate ph increaser
In The Swim
Pool pH Increaser
ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B002WKJ5LQ&camp=217145&creative=399349contains 100% sodium carbonate (also known as soda ash)

buyfromamazon_white.jpgir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B002WKJ5LQ&camp=217145&creative=399349

Country or region: Canada

Message: Hi, can I use a PH Increase product as an alternative for soda ash? I have two sweatshirts that I wanna dye black. One is black and the other grey. Thanks

If your "pH Increase" product contains at least 97% sodium carbonate, then it is perfect for use in dyeing with fiber reactive dyes, such as Procion MX dyes. See What is soda ash, and what's it for in dyeing? for more information. Check the label carefully, as some pool pH increasers contain sodium bicarbonate, instead, which won't work at all well.

What kind of dye are you using? Soda ash is useless with all-purpose dyes such as Rit; Rit dye cannot be made more fade-resistant with soda ash, and is markedly inferior to reactive dyes, since it stays dark on your clothing for only a few washings. Soda ash is also unnecessary with most Dylon dyes, since they already contain a pH increaser ("Dylon Cold Dye" is an exception that does require added sodium carbonate).

Keep in mind that dyeing black normally takes two to four times as much dye powder as any other color. Weigh your garments, dry; you may need up to 10% of the dry weight of the fabric, in reactive dye powder, to get the darkest black, though not as much is required for freshening up a garment that is already black. Only 100% dyeable fabrics, such as a 100% cotton that is not stain-resistant, will acquire a truly dark black. Find a good recipe for the dye you are using, and follow it closely. The easiest way to dye anything a perfectly smooth solid color is in the washing machine; see "How can I dye clothing or fabric in the washing machine?". To save on dye and other materials, you can use a 5-gallon bucket and follow the same recipe, scaled down, except for continually stirring it yourself by hand.

(Please help support this web site. Thank you.)


Posted: Sunday - May 01, 2011 at 11:14 AM          

Follow this blog on twitter here.



[ Home Page ]   [ Hand Dyeing Top ]   [ Gallery Top ]   [ How to Dye ]   [ How to Tie Dye ]   [ How to Batik ]   [ Low Water Immersion Dyeing ]   [ Dip Dyeing ]   [ More Ideas ]   [ About Dyes ]   [ Sources for Supplies ]   [ Dyeing and  Fabric Painting Books ]   [ Links to other Galleries ]   [ Links to other informative sites ] [ Groups ] [ FAQs ]   [ Find a custom dyer ]   [ search ]   [ contact me ]  

© 1999-2011 Paula E. Burch, Ph.D. all rights reserved