Name: nancy george
Message: i want to know what is chemical dyeing is it different categorey in dyeing from other dyeing like reactive , pigment, acid and are these dyes also called chemical due to chemicals used in these dyes?

This question does not actually make sense. All dyeing uses chemicals.

Perhaps you heard someone distinguish between "chemical" and "natural" dyeing, but this is a meaningless distinction. It would make more sense to distinguish between *synthetic* and *plant-derived* chemicals.

Of course, natural dyeing relies on chemicals no less than dyeing with synthetic dyes does. Synthetic indigo is used in exactly the same way as indigo that is derived from plants. Plant fibers are made of a chemical called cellulose, while animal fibers are made of a chemical called protein. Some dye chemicals are made synthetically from oil or natural gas, while other dye chemicals are produced naturally by plants. Natural dyes usually require the use of chemicals called mordants, which are commonly metal ions, such as aluminum, iron, copper, or chromium. They are all chemicals.

Some natural dyes are actually acid dyes, but there are also many synthetic acid dyes. Acid dyes are not in themselves acidic at all, but which are used with a mild acid such as vinegar, which aids in the formation of hydrogen bonding between the dye and a protein fiber such as wool.

There are no plant-derived reactive dyes. Reactive dyes are the most versatile in color and longest lasting of all dyes that can be used on cotton or linen.

Pigment "dyes" are actually not dyes at all, but insoluble colorings that must be bound to the fabric using a gluelike binder. Thus, they are actually fabric paints, and not dyes at all.

For more information on all sorts of dyes, see "About Dyes" on my website.