When/How to Use Retayne and/or Synthrapol
#1
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,648
http://www.prochemicalanddye.com/store/home.php?cat=323
The directions for both say to use Hot water (140 degrees F., 60 degrees C)
The instructions for Retayne suggest treating the fabric Before cutting it.
Retayne - soak fabrics for 20 minutes in hot water, then rinse
Synthrapol - soak 10-12 minutes in hot water, then rinse.
As far as I can tell from that info, they are Not interchangeable.
The directions for both say to use Hot water (140 degrees F., 60 degrees C)
The instructions for Retayne suggest treating the fabric Before cutting it.
Retayne - soak fabrics for 20 minutes in hot water, then rinse
Synthrapol - soak 10-12 minutes in hot water, then rinse.
As far as I can tell from that info, they are Not interchangeable.
Last edited by QuiltnNan; 04-16-2018 at 02:17 AM. Reason: remove shouting/all caps
#2
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
retayne helps set the dyes
synthrapol keeps fugitive dyes from getting on other fabrics in the water.
2 different animals
synthrapol keeps fugitive dyes from getting on other fabrics in the water.
2 different animals
Last edited by QuiltnNan; 04-16-2018 at 02:17 AM. Reason: remove shouting/all caps
#4
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 95
Becky at my LQS (Sunshine Stitches) explained it to me this way:
Use Retayne to prevent fabric from bleeding. Use Synthrpol (or other fabric catchers when your fabric has already bled. If you think a fabric might bleed, prevent it by using Retayne. If you have a 'surprise' of bleeding, Synthrapol will help remove the runs.
She always knows how to break down a matter for a dumb newbie!
Use Retayne to prevent fabric from bleeding. Use Synthrpol (or other fabric catchers when your fabric has already bled. If you think a fabric might bleed, prevent it by using Retayne. If you have a 'surprise' of bleeding, Synthrapol will help remove the runs.
She always knows how to break down a matter for a dumb newbie!
#8
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 14
How do you get the water to 140 degrees? I tried it in the wash and even added boiling water and I could only get it to 130 degree. What is your secret?
P.S. - My water heater was set to the highest setting too!
P.S. - My water heater was set to the highest setting too!
#9
Originally Posted by quiltincin
How do you get the water to 140 degrees? I tried it in the wash and even added boiling water and I could only get it to 130 degree. What is your secret?
P.S. - My water heater was set to the highest setting too!
P.S. - My water heater was set to the highest setting too!
#10
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,648
I don't use either product -
But it would seem to make sense to me to use the products as directed, if one is going to go to the expense and effort of using them.
I soak new fabrics (similar colors and/or shades together) in water as hot as it comes from the tap (not hot enough to scald myself if I do a quick dip in it - but quite uncomfortable if I linger in it) for at least half an hour.
I use the sink if I have a lot of items, a small kettle or bowl if it's something like a fat quarter.
I smoosh the fabric(s) up and down a few times in the water maybe every ten minutes or so just to stir it up a bit.
If the water is still clear, all is good and I put the piece aside to be very gently washed and dried.
I think the agitation is what makes new fabric look "worn" in the washing process.
If the water has acquired some color - I go through the pieces and see which one is putting out the color.
I isolate that one and soak and rinse it some more until the water is clear - or almost clear.
Then - when I think that the black (or whatever color) piece won't discolor that white (or other lighter colored) piece - I dump all the wet stuff into the washer and give it a quick gentle wash with just a smidgen of detergent - dry it on permanent press in the dryer until just dry - fold and put away until time to cut it.
If I get a piece that continues to color the water - I will try to return it (if it's a relatively recent purchase and I still have the receipt)
If the store won't accept it, I discard it. No point in mucking up my project or someone else's.
I've had a couple of pieces that were still coloring 20 changes of water. There comes a time to accept that the piece is a loser!
The stuff I make goes to people that do well to get things washed - forget about "special treatment"
I do have a hissy about using liquid bleach when washing quilts.
I have this idea that fabric should behave "on its own" and that the owner of the quilt should only need to use "reasonable care" when washing it.
I do know about color catchers, etc. I just don't they should be necessary!
But it would seem to make sense to me to use the products as directed, if one is going to go to the expense and effort of using them.
I soak new fabrics (similar colors and/or shades together) in water as hot as it comes from the tap (not hot enough to scald myself if I do a quick dip in it - but quite uncomfortable if I linger in it) for at least half an hour.
I use the sink if I have a lot of items, a small kettle or bowl if it's something like a fat quarter.
I smoosh the fabric(s) up and down a few times in the water maybe every ten minutes or so just to stir it up a bit.
If the water is still clear, all is good and I put the piece aside to be very gently washed and dried.
I think the agitation is what makes new fabric look "worn" in the washing process.
If the water has acquired some color - I go through the pieces and see which one is putting out the color.
I isolate that one and soak and rinse it some more until the water is clear - or almost clear.
Then - when I think that the black (or whatever color) piece won't discolor that white (or other lighter colored) piece - I dump all the wet stuff into the washer and give it a quick gentle wash with just a smidgen of detergent - dry it on permanent press in the dryer until just dry - fold and put away until time to cut it.
If I get a piece that continues to color the water - I will try to return it (if it's a relatively recent purchase and I still have the receipt)
If the store won't accept it, I discard it. No point in mucking up my project or someone else's.
I've had a couple of pieces that were still coloring 20 changes of water. There comes a time to accept that the piece is a loser!
The stuff I make goes to people that do well to get things washed - forget about "special treatment"
I do have a hissy about using liquid bleach when washing quilts.
I have this idea that fabric should behave "on its own" and that the owner of the quilt should only need to use "reasonable care" when washing it.
I do know about color catchers, etc. I just don't they should be necessary!
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