The Exhaust Dye process can be used to achieve an even overall color on cotton fabrics. If cotton / synthetic blends are exhaust dyed, only the cotton portion will take on the color, thus potentially creating a less intense overall color. The dying is usually done with 20 parts by weight liquid (liquor) to 1 part fabric.
1. 20 parts water to 1 part fabric added to vat.
2. Temperature set at 70 to 90°F. 8% owg MRT added. Note: owg = on weight of garment.
3. Circulate 5 - 10 minutes.
4. Adjust pH to 9.5 - 9.8 with 10% solution of soda ash. It usually take 10% owg of 10% solution of soda ash or 1% of dry soda ash, at a liquor ratio of 20:1.
5. Agitate 15 minutes at 70 - 90°F in soda ash / MRT after pH is adjusted.
6. Drain
7. Refill cold water. Overflow rinse 5 - 10 minutes.
8. Add 2% owg Dispersant 1541.
9. Agitate 5 minutes then add x% pigment. Dilute pigment with at least 2 parts of water before adding to vat.
10.. Agitate 5 minutes.
11. Heat 2°F / minute to 160°F.
12. Hold for 20 minutes at 140° - 160°F .
13. Add 4% owg Binder H36MS. Dilute binder with 8 - 10 parts water before adding to vat.
14. Agitate 10 minutes at 140°F.
15. Slowly add 2% owg acetic acid 56%. Dilute with 8 - 10 parts water before adding to vat.
16. Agitate 5 minutes then overflow rinse until clear. >Color value can suffer if run for increased periods of time in acid bath.
17. Unload - tumble dry at 250°F or higher.