Dharmaset (Acid) Dyes

NEW, for Wool, Silk, Nylon and other protein fibers and fabrics: Dharmaset Dyes! The real deal, the pure stuff, fresh from the manufacturer, no subs, no cutting, no "off brands".

Folks have been requesting that we sell Dharmaset Dyes with our great Dharma Prices for years. We resisted because they were so expensive. But we realized that there really is a need for them, and that some companies are selling some of what are normally the most expensive colors partially cut, or not even the real deal because of the prohibitive pricing. (In those cases they have usually been given another name.) So we decided to give it a try, because we have folks out there who need the real deal.

Why Dharmaset? Dharmaset Dyes are more permanent than regular Acid Dyes, wash fast even in hot water, and completely intermixable to your heart's content to get any color or shade you want. They are a concentrated mix of 1:2 metal complex, acid and reactive dyes with high wet and light fastness. A lot of wool dyers prefer Dharmaset to regular Acid Dyes, as do felters who use hot water in their felting process, as the Dharmaset won't bleed, but the Acid Dyes will. 

Acid dyes are normally the dye of choice for wool and silk, are affordable and give wondrous colors. But there are a couple of issues with Acid Dyes. First, there are 3 classes of Acid Dyes, and mixtures that combine classes are very difficult to get even and "level", as the combining colors tend to "split" out unless you use ph buffers, stir a lot and follow directions precisely. Second, items dyed with Acid Dyes have to be washed forever after in cold water because Acid Dyes form a weaker bond than something like Procion dyes on cotton, for example. They also tend to shift color on wool or nylon (as opposed to silk), especially color mixes, giving occasional unpredictable color.

Dharmaset Dyes do have a couple of cons as well, so you make your choice. A few of the colors are very expensive. They also are a bit harder to use than the Leveling or Milling class Acid dyes. Once the dyebath reaches the high temperature needed for fixing, they tend to strike FAST! So if you need your dye job to be even and level, you will need to use some auxiliary chemicals besides just Vinegar or Citric Acid. LevelSet  improves the compatibility of the Dharmaset dyes, promotes their migration and exhaustion, and greatly helps to ensure fiber and surface levelness. These effects can be improved still further by an addition of 5-10% Glauber's salt (particular recommended for dyeing yarn and piece goods). Ammonium Sulfate is a useful ph buffer.

Dharmaset instructions - Usage Instructions

Dharmaset Dyes - Vat (Tub) Dyeing

Dharmaset Dyes - Hand Painting and Direct Application

Dharmaset Dyes - Complete Color Chart, Vat Dyeing, and Hand Painting Instructions