Name: Valeri

Message: Hi, I found your site when searching about Remozol and Procion MX. I am on a holidays in Brazil and can only get Remozol locally, so I am wondering if I can use Remozol just as I normally use Procion MX (powder) or if they can't be switched? Thanks alot, valeri.

Yes, you can use them almost exactly the same way, but be sure to place the freshly dyed fabric (still wet with dye and soda ash) in a warm place to allow the dye to react with the fabric. Remazol dyes need more warmth to react than Procion MX dyes do. The ideal temperature for Procion MX dye is about 30°C (86°F), though it can be used at temperatures as low as 21C (70°F); in contrast, the ideal temperatures for Remazol dyes are 40°C to 60°C (between 104°F and 140°F), though they can probably be used at room temperatures as low as 30°C (86°F).

If you do not give your Remazol dyeing projects extra warmth, then you can expect your colors to be paler than if you give them the optimum reaction temperature. There are many ways to increase the temperature for your dyeing reaction without heating your whole house excessively; see "What is the effect of temperature?", and scroll down to "Ways to increase your reaction temperature". (Also see "About Fiber Reactive Dyes", "Vinyl Sulfone Fiber Reactive Dyes", and a discussion on how to use Remazol dyes in the Dye Forum.)

You can substitute another high-pH chemical for soda ash, such as trisodium phosphate or sodium silicate, but soda ash (sodium carbonate) will work fine. The ideal pH for Remazol dyes to react with cotton is about 11.5.

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