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10-20-2011, 04:54 PM

partsalot

Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: May 2011

Location: Candor, NC

Posts: 60

I understand that Retayne is used to set or hold color in fabrics. I am printing some things on the computer to use as quilt blocks and in my trials the black holds its own but the color seems to fade. I have pre-washed fabric w/o softener and also tried the prepared 8.5 x 11 fabric sheets that you can purchase. I wondered if Retayne would help this - I have never used this product only heard of it. Any advice on this would greatly be appreciated.

10-20-2011, 05:14 PM

simplyme

Junior Member

Join Date: Aug 2011

Location: Porter, TX

Posts: 133

I'm not sure about the ink in printers but when hand dyeing fabric you soak all fabric in soda ash mixed with water. This helps the fabric hold the dye better. I make my own fabric sheets to print on and I always soak first in soda ash and the line dry, press with steam and then iron to freezer paper with a dry iron. Then paper is ready to print. It never comes out as dark as I would like but I have not had any problem with it fading after printing.

10-20-2011, 06:21 PM

Carron

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: desert area of California

Posts: 2,206

Do you heat set the blocks after printing on them?

10-20-2011, 06:24 PM

Highmtn

Senior Member

Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: An Ocean Shore

Posts: 950

Simplyme...

Could you please define "soda ash" mixture... ratios when mixing etc. I buy my computer fabric/paper and it's expensive. Would love to try making it at home.

Thanks!

10-20-2011, 06:41 PM

partsalot

Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: May 2011

Location: Candor, NC

Posts: 60

Yes, please explain what soda ash is and where to purchase - I am totally unfamiliar with these terms. Really need help here!

10-20-2011, 07:06 PM

Lori S

Super Member

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: Illinois

Posts: 9,312

This is interesting regarding the use of soda ash
http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/FAQ/sodaash.shtml

Read this regarding retayne
http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/FAQ/fixative.shtml

Just an FYI you can purchase PFD fabric ( pre-pared for dying) The Kona white is PFD . Not sure about the other colors.

If you are treating your fabric prior to the printing with Retayne the value would be very little as retayne works on the dyes that are already in the fabric. If you wanted to treat after the printing I am not sure the inks used in Ink jet printers would hold up to the 140 degree water ( required for retayne) for 20 minutes( the recommended time for treating) .

10-20-2011, 07:35 PM

woody

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2009

Location: Canberra, Australia

Posts: 2,135

Have you tried bubblejet set to treat your fabric before printing?
http://www.bryerpatch.com/faq/bjs.htm

10-20-2011, 07:46 PM

Prism99

Power Poster

Join Date: Dec 2008

Location: Western Wisconsin

Posts: 12,930

Is it an inkjet printer? I don't think Retayne works on ink. I believe Bubble Jet is what you need to use to prep your fabric. If you Google, you will find lots of info on this topic.