Pigment dye
Also known as: Pigment dyeing
Dyeing with insoluble pigments and binders that sit only on the fibre surface and produce a vintage look.
Description
Pigment dye is a dyeing method where insoluble colour pigments (carbon black, iron oxides, organic azo colours) are applied to the textile surface with a synthetic resin binder (polyacrylate, polyurethane) and thermally fixed. Unlike reactive dyes, pigments do NOT penetrate the fibre but adhere as a thin film. Washing and wear gradually abrade this film, creating the characteristic used look with light rub marks on collars, edges and seams.
The process is simple and water-lean: fabric is padded with pigment-binder bath, dried and cured at 150-170 degrees. For garment dye the same principle is applied to finished T-shirts, sweats or denim and gives a very even, often slightly shading colour impression.
Advantages: low water use (no rinse needed), simple process, individual vintage look. Downsides: wash fastness only 3-4 (ISO 105-C06), rub fastness 2-3, meaning the colour bleeds and fades notably over time. For premium basics, streetwear and fashion tees pigment dye is a deliberate look, unsuitable for dress shirts.
Properties
| Process | Pigment + synthetic-resin binder, heat cured |
|---|---|
| Result | Vintage look with rub marks |
| Colour fastness | Moderate (wash 3-4, rub 2-3) |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Pigment (Textil) Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigment
- SDC Colour Fastness Tests sdc.org.uk https://www.sdc.org.uk/
