Chemicals Used for Dyeing (During)

Urea is used in tie dyeing, or other direct application dyeing. It is generally not used in solid color dyeing or Ice Dyeing. Moisture is an important component of the chemical reaction process. Urea helps draw moisture to the chemical reaction, helping the dye penetrate the fabric. Urea also helps large amounts of dye powder dissolve in small amounts of water. We estimate that one pound of Urea will prepare enough chemical water to tie-dye about 16 to 18 t-shirts. 5 pounds will therefore prepare enough for about 80 shirts.

Water Softener is used in both tie-dye and solid color dyeing. Dyes simply work better in soft water. One eight ounce bag of water softener will tie dye approximately 160 t-shirts.

Ludigol is used in tie dyeing or other direct application dyeing. It is generally not used in solid color dyeing.