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. 

(Dec 2024/January 2025) The current batch of Urea we have is 'dirtier' and contains more visible imperfections and debris than we would like. The dirty appearance should not effect usage or effectiveness of a liquid Urea solution. 

The current product photo has been updated to show what to expect with this Urea. Most speckles will dissolve, but some sediment and a small amount of debris that doesn't dissolve will sink to the bottom of a liquid Urea mixture. 

In order to make way for a new batch, we have lowered the price and are temporarily offering a bulk '30 lb' option at an even lower price (please be aware shipping heavy chemicals can be expensive, and must ship through UPS)