Fundamentals of Textile Design 3(2+1)

Lesson 26: Synthetic Dyes

Basic (Cationic) Dyes

These are frequently referred to as cationic dyes. This class includes the oldest synthetic dyestuff, mauve, as well as some of the natural dyes. These dyes are used for coloring acrylic fibers with excellent success. It was developed to give many bright shades for silk and wool. Cationic dyes are used with a mordant for cotton, linen, acetate, nylon, polyesters, acrylics, and modacrylics. Basic dyes have brilliance but they are generally considered to have poor light fastness. Basic dyes are frequently used as an after treatment (“topping’ colours) for fabrics that have been previously dyed with acid colors.