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Silk dyeing using citric acid powder

Hi, all. I have purchased some citric acid powder to use with my procion mx dyes in lieu of vinegar, to dye silk scarves. Problem is, I can't find adequate instructions for utilizing the citric acid, and wondered if any of you have used it? I even talked to a gal at DT where I bought it, and she couldn't help... suggested I check with you, Paula! So if you or any of the forum members have experience with it, I'm just wondering if I can pre-mix with water to pre-soak my silk, or do I need to mix with my dyes?
Thanks!
Judy

By tiedyejudy at 2010-10-18 09:53 | Acid dyes | login or register to post comments | previous forum topic | next forum topic

Acid soak solution recipe for silk or wool

Easy enough... to make one quart/litre:

Using vinegar : 2 cups (500 ml) vinegar, 2 cups (500 ml) water
Using citric acid powder : 4 tsp. per quart/litre water(1000 ml)

Darlene
http://shiboriborealis.com

By Shibori Borealis at Mon, 2010-10-18 10:23 | login or register to post comments

Storing citric acid solution

Hi again, Darlene. One more question: is there a shelf life for the citric acid solution once it is mixed? And should it be refrigerated?
Thanks!
Judy
tiedyejudy's shop
http://www.tiedyejudy.artfire.com
blog: http://hippiewear.blogspot.com
"Life without tie-dye is waaaaaaaaaaaay dull!"

By tiedyejudy at Tue, 2010-10-19 18:16 | login or register to post comments

Storing citric acid solution

No shelf life that I know of. The acid isn't volatile like with vinegar, so the ph shouldn't change. I just keep mine in a jug with a lid. No refrigeration required.

One thing I wanted to add though is that it's still an irritant. Just because it doesn't smell like vinegar doesn't mean that it should be sprayed around without some kind of protection from breathing it in. Soaking is fine; spraying ... definitely a no-no. Ask me how I know? lol...

Darlene
http://shiboriborealis.com

By Shibori Borealis at Wed, 2010-10-20 09:09 | login or register to post comments

Recipes for silk dyeing

Thanks, Darlene! First off, I have always pre-soaked in straight vinegar. But I was amazed when the gal at Dharma didn't know the answer about citric acid! I promised I would let her know what I found out, and plan to try your recipe today... should have come here first!
Judy

tiedyejudy's shop
http://www.tiedyejudy.artfire.com
blog: http://hippiewear.blogspot.com
"Life without tie-dye is waaaaaaaaaaaay dull!"

By tiedyejudy at Mon, 2010-10-18 10:50 | login or register to post comments

Citric Acid used in silk dyeing

I conducted a few experiments yesterday using citric acid solution as my mordant for dyeing silk scarves with procion mx dyes, using Darlene's recipe of 4 tsp citric acid powder to 1 quart of water. Here is one of the scarves:


I presoaked the scarf for about 20 minutes, squeezed out the excess solution, scrunched the scarf on a piece of plexiglass, then applied my dyes using an eye dropper. Afterward, I sprinkled some rock salt over the scarf. Then I let the scarf sit for awhile, gently placed it in a hefty bag, and nuked in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stopping every 45 seconds or so to allow the steam to dissipate. I love the citric acid because there is no odor, and it works just as well as vinegar... thanks, Darlene, for telling me how to mix the solution!
Judy
tiedyejudy's shop
http://www.tiedyejudy.artfire.com
blog: http://hippiewear.blogspot.com
"Life without tie-dye is waaaaaaaaaaaay dull!"

By tiedyejudy at Tue, 2010-10-19 13:04 | login or register to post comments

Silk scarf results w Procion MX+Citric Acid

Love it! Glad I could be of some help.

Darlene
http://shiboriborealis.com

By Shibori Borealis at Wed, 2010-10-20 09:03 | login or register to post comments

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