Any Hints On Setting The Colour?

[crosspatch65]

I have used Dlyon cloth dyes, both hand and machine dyes to freshen up the colours of garments. I find that the garments once re dyed continually loose the colour. Does anyone have knowledge of some products which will set the colours? Thank you. Anne

[EcclesCake]

I thought salt was used, it's been a while since I've done any dying though.

[jomifl]

Usually the instructions suggest the use of a mordant to fix the dye...and cold water dyes are not quite so stable as hot water dyes. In addition man made fabrics vary greatly in their ability to take up different dyes.

[jomifl]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dylon-Cold-Dye-Fix-/261998248536?hash=item3d00500258

[Buenchico]

or simply
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1kg-of-ALUMINIUM-SULPHATE-Al2-S04-3-Iron-Free-Mordant-Purifier-PH-reducer-/111123026262?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368

[jomifl]

Buenchico, I don't know the chemical composition of 'dyefix' but since Dylon produce it to work with their dyes then I think that would be the best choice. There are many mineral salts that are used as mordants and no one is the best, it's a matter of horses for courses...

[jomifl]

The most common mordant for use with wool is potassium alum, usually obtainable from old fashioned chemists but now they have all become pharmacies you may have to try elsewhere. .....It should be cheap.

[rockyracoon]

I find clothes continually lose their colour so that's why I dye them. Every now and then the blacks will go in with a black dye, yesterday it was navy blue. I wouldn't expect a Dylon dye to be any more effective than the original dye used by manufacturers.

[Brinjal]

I thought you would usually buy the fixer when you buy the dye. I have always found Dylan to be good even the cold water ones.

[crosspatch65]

Thanks everyone, have been using salt, but will try fix suggestion. Thought I read a solution of cider vinegar but may be working. Thanks .

[jomifl]

Vinegar is sometimes used in 'eco dying' but it isn't a mordant, it probably assists with the solubility of some natural dyes. I doubt that it will have any useful effect on man made dyes.

[ivor4781]

i bought dylon last month with salt added, it said on the packet