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.

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.

Do you heat set the blocks after printing on them?

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!

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

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) .

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

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.