deColourant & deColourant Plus

deColourant is a ready to use white discharging cream, with, get this, NO offensive odor!!! Just a light citrus smell.
Use deColourant to remove the color from dyed natural fabrics, such as cotton, rayon, or linen. deColourant also works on many papers. It will remove the dyed color and leave the natural undyed color of the item, depending, of course, on what the item is dyed with originally. Some dye colors discharge to other colors, lighter versions, and some don't discharge. Acid dyes normally used on silk and wool are usually not discharged very easily. This product works in a very similar way as our Jacquard Discharge Paste, only without the noxious ammonia smell when you iron it. Logic does tell you, though, that it is still a chemical with a chemical reaction going on, which can release fumes even if you cannot smell them, so we still recommend you use it in a well ventilated area. A respirator with a gas cartridge is recommended for any discharge products if you are using them constantly for production or have chemical sensitivities.

deColourant Mist Spray: works best with dyed natural fabric and non-glossy papers. Some colors may not remove well. For best results, always test samples first. Protect surrounding areas. Spray desired design using a stencil or found object. Allow to dry and iron until desired result is achieved. For extra color removal, iron with steam. Color will leave at this stage. Wash fabrics with mild detergent to return to natural softness.

deColourant Plus acts the same way as deColourant, but in one step it removes the color (like deColourant) and adds a new color to replace the removed color. Basically, deColourant Plus is deColourant creme with pigments already added. In a single pass, deColourant Plus both removes the dyed color from natural fibers and replaces that color with the deColourant Plus pigment.

How does deColourant work? deColourant is activated by heat. Nothing happens until you heat the deColourant creme. Apply the design you want. If you do not like it, remove it! You won't damage or change your work materials. When you have the design exactly as you want it, let it dry completely. 24 hours is best. Apply heat to the deColourant. The more heat, the more color is removed. You can use a household iron on the steam setting, a heat gun, or even the sun! When your design is done, after 24-48 hours, you simply wash out any remaining deColourant and no more color will be removed. Steaming with the iron worked best in our tests.

deColourant does not damage your work materials. It only activates with heat. On fabrics, it does not change the "hand" of the fabric. Your finished design is as supple as the original fabric. Designs made with deColourant can safely be washed, ironed, or more with no further effects.

Because the "dischargability" of dyes is so variable, we strongly recommend that before you begin any project you test a scrap first to be sure you are getting the effects you want!

How To Use deColourant

• Rubber Stamping Techniques click here

  

  Use materials to create a mask where you do not want color removed.
  Cut out a stencil of the design, use found objects, etc.

  

  Mask your work surface where you do not want color removed.
  Spray the area lightly. The heavier the spray, the more color will be removed when you apply heat.

  

  Allow your work to dry completely, then apply heat. Control the amount of color removal by the intensity and duration of heating.

  

  More complex designs can be created by layering repeat applications of deColourant, using different masks and different heating times / temperatures.

  Wash fabric to remove any excess deColourant. This will set the design, and no more color will be removed.

• Painting Techniques click here

  

  Using various sizes and types of brushes, paint your design.
  The amount of color removed will depend on the thickness of the applied creme and the amount of heat used to activate the deColourant.
  To create more detailed designs, work in a sequence of applying creme, drying, and heating. A variety of line work will build up over time.

  

  When the design is complete, allow to dry.
  Apply heat to activate deColourant and remove the color where you have painted

• Stenciling Techniques click here
• Shibori Techniques click here