Reactive MX Hand Painting Solution Instructions
About the dye...
Reactive MX will dye all natural fiber. It is a professional permanent dye. Dyed fabric may be washed or dry cleaned.
These directions are for making surface application painting solutions.
Use a disposable dust mask while handling powders. Use rubber gloves to protect your hands. Do not use dyeing utensils for food preparation. Keep dyes away from toddlers, pets and unsupervised children.
Which Method To Use...
Watercolour Application...
The dyes are dissolved in chemicals added to water, referred to as chemical water. These watery solutions are used to do free form colour blends, boundary resist painting, spraying and air brushing.
·  Print Paste Application...
The dyes are dissolved in chemicals, water and Sodium Alginate (a neutral thickener made from seaweed). Thinner pastes are usually used for hand painting, thicker pastes for block printing, stenciling, sponging, mono printing and silk screening. Click here for Print Paste Instructions.
Equipment...
§  Glass or plastic measuring cups and storage jars.
§  Measuring spoons or scales.
§  Stirring sticks or rods.
§  A dust mask and rubber gloves.
Fabric Preparation...
Wash cotton thoroughly with detergent in hot water.
Wash silks in TNA Detergent. Use hot water, decrease water temperature gradually to a cool rinse. Blot in a towel and press dry with iron set on silk.
General Instructions...
To obtain maximum colour brilliance add the Sodium Bicarbonate dye activator immediately prior to application. Once activated the dye will retain bonding ability for about 12 hours. After this time the dye gradually looses strength even though full colour is visually present. The amounts of dye in the following charts are a guide, use more or less to achieve desired colour.
Supplies...
§  Pure Water Softener: Sodium Hetametaphosphate...surrounds metallic salts in the water and aids in even dye application.
§  Urea: Helps dissolve the dye and attracts moisture for bonding.
§  Ludigol: Promotes good colour depth.
§  Sodium Bicarbonate: (baking soda)...Activates the dye to bond to the fiber.
§  TNA Detergent: Keeps unfixed dye in suspension to prevent back staining during the final washout.
§  Raycafix: Optional, dye fixative, greatly reduces washing/rinsing time.
INGREDIENT CHART FOR 1 LITER ( 1 QT.) OF CHEMICAL WATER
FABRIC TYPE / WATER SOFTENER / UREA / LUDIGOL / HOT WATER
COTTON & RAYON / 1 tsp (5 gr) / 10 Tbs (114 gr) / 2 tsp (5 gr) / 2 cups (500 ml)
SILK / 1 tsp (5 gr) / 5 Tbs (57 gr) / 2 tsp (5 gr) / 2 cups (500 ml)
Procedure To Make Chemical Water...
Step 1. Measure the dry ingredients into a 1 liter (1 quart) jar.
Step 2. Add the hot water and stir until dissolved.
Step 3. Add cold water to make 1 liter (1 quart) and stir well.
Note...The chemical water may be stored several months at room temperature, discard if a strong ammonia odor develops.
INGREDIENT CHART FOR 1 CUP (250 ML) OF DYE SOLUTION
COLOUR DEPTH / DYE GUIDE / CHEMICAL WATER / SODIUM BICARBONATE
PALE / 1 tsp (3 gr) / 1 cup (250 ml) / 1 tsp (5 gr)
MEDIUM / 2 tsp (6 gr) / 1 cup (250 ml) / 1 tsp (5 gr)
DEEP / 4 tsp (12 gr) / 1 cup (250 ml) / 2 tsp (10 gr)
BLACKS & NAVY / 8 tsp (24 gr) / 1 cup (250 ml) / 2 tsp (10 gr)
Procedure To Make Dye Solution...
Step 1. Measure the dye into a glass container.
Step 2. Pour in enough chemical water to make a lump free paste.
Step 3. Add the remaining chemical water and stir until dissolved.
Step 4. Just before painting, dissolve the sodium bicarbonate in a little warm water and add to the dye solution, stir well.
Step 5. Apply the dye.
Note...Refer to fixation methods and washing instructions below.
Fixation Methods...
Use one of these methods to permanently bond the dye to the fabric. Although dry heat will work, optimum colour is obtained by using moist heat (steam).
·  Method 1. Steam fix by rolling the fabric in blank newsprint so that the dyed surfaces are separated. Steam for 15 minutes in an enclosed steamer or over a canning kettle. Click here for Steaming Instruction in our silk painting guide.
Method 2. Steam iron for 5 minutes moving the iron slowly to insure uniform heat.
Method 3. Place fabric in a clothes dryer and run for 30 minutes at hottest setting.
Method 4. Roll the fabric in plastic to separate dyed layers, put in a plastic bag and seal. Leave 24-48 hours at room temperature or 4 hours near a radiator or other warm place.
Washing Instructions...
Step 1. After fixing let the fabric air set for 48 hours.
Step 2. Rinse in cold running water until the water runs clear, repeat using lukewarm, then hot water.
Step 3. Wash in hot water using TNA Detergent, use about a capful per sink of water. Repeat until the water runs clear. Washing and rinsing may be done by machine.
Step 4. Rinse well and dry immediately in a clothes dryer or by iron.