Name: Taymara

Message: Hello... I am wondering how to safely lighten the color from natural fiber rope, hemp and jute specifically.  Fiber degredation is a peril as the rope is used for suspension after being dyed, so bleach is not an option.  Too, any suggestions to increase color vibrancy would be greatly appreciated.

Reductive discharges will be less damaging than oxidative bleaches, in general, but will they be completely safe, without making the rope any weaker? I don't know. I worry that even the gentler discharge agents might have some effect on the strength of the rope.

If you will make sure to test your ropes for strength after treating them, I can tell you what chemicals to try. My page on "What chemicals can be used to remove dye?" describes a number of different chemicals that are used to decolorize natural fibers. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidative discharge chemical that is very popular in industrial bleaching of cotton and other natural fibers. Thiourea dioxide and sodium hydrosulfite are the two main reductive options; see the link above for descriptions. 

You can buy sodium hydrosulfite (also known as sodium dithionite) in the form of Rit Color Remover, but when you need to be able to store larger quantities, thiourea dioxide will give you similar results without the storage dangers. (Large amounts of sodium hydrosulfite can cause fires if they get slightly damp.) Thiourea Dioxide is also sold under the name Jacquard Color Remover. Contact a dye supplier or chemical supplier if you need to purchase large quantities.

When it comes time to dye the ropes, for the best color vibrancy, you should use fiber reactive dye, such as Procion MX dye. Other types of dye will fade quickly when wet. If lightfastness is an issue, choose your specific dye colors with care. See my page on Lightfastness of Different Dyes. Try to use only dyes with a lightfastness rating of 6 or better. Vat dyes, in general, are much more lightfast (see the table lower on that page), but they are considerably more difficult to apply. Pigment dyes or fabric paints are more light-resistant, but fade quickly from wear.

Please test your ropes after you treat them to determine whether their strength has been at all compromised.

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