Tuesday, December 08, 2009

IMPORTANT POINTS FOR ALL DYES: FRESH, DRIED AND EXTRACTS.

Let the dye stand overnight to settle any remaining particles. Pour off and save the upper liquid and throw away the sediment.

The dye can be stored in the refrigerator. It should be covered with plastic wrap that is pushed down onto the surface of the dye, sealing air from the dye. Then the container should be capped. Since the dye is a natural substance it can become moldy if not used quickly. If mold should form on the surface of the dye, remove it carefully and test it. If the color remains satisfactory it can be used. The dyes can be stored in the freezer.

The life of the dye can be preserved by adding 20 to 50cc of phenol per 1 liter of dye.

If the dye has separated it might need additional boiling.

Extract and store all the dye that you will be using for one project at the same time. Natural dyes differ even though you might be using the same substance each time. Color from natural material varies. During the growing season there might have been more rain one month than another. One field might have more nutrients than another. All these factors affect the colors that would be obtained.