Pigment dyeing — process & vintage effect
Also known as: Pigment dye process, Vintage dye, Washed look dyeing
Dye process in which insoluble pigments are mechanically fixed to the fibre with a binder — creates the characteristic vintage, „lived-in" look.
Description
In pigment dyeing — unlike classic reactive or direct dyes — insoluble pigment particles are used which form no chemical bond with the fibre. Instead of penetrating the fibre they are anchored on the surface with a resin binder (e.g. acrylate, polyurethane or silicone). The process uses far less water than conventional dyeing: no exhaustion, hardly any salt, shorter cycle times.
The optical effect is characteristic: because the pigment sits only on the outside, it washes off visibly at rub points (edges, seams, collars) and produces an instantly recognisable vintage look („lived-in look", „garment-washed vintage"). Colour depth and wash fastness depend entirely on the binder — modern binders easily survive 30 – 40 washes, but pigment-dyed goods remain rub-sensitive (poorer crocking fastness than reactive dye).
- Pigment with no chemical fibre bond — mechanically anchored only
- Very low-water process (up to 90 % less water than reactive dyeing)
- Characteristic vintage/used look after the first washes
- Slightly harsher hand than reactive-dyed goods; limited crocking fastness
Properties
| Dyeing principle | Pigment + binder, mechanically fixed |
|---|---|
| Water use | up to 90 % less than reactive dyeing |
| Crocking fastness | Limited — edges and seams fade |
| Optical effect | Vintage/used look |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Pigment Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigment
- Wikipedia: Textile printing Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textile_printing
