How to Dye Cotton/Spandex® Blends Using a One-Bath/Two-Step Dyeing Procedure with Orcolitefast™ and Orcolan Neutral™ Dyes
This procedure provides medium fastness for medium to heavy shades. A one-bath/one-step procedure is available for light to medium shades with lower fastness.
In any procedure involving Spandex®, the temperature should not exceed 200°F(93°C) as it may degrade the integrity of the spandex.
- Prepare goods as necessary. Since the Spandex® typically comes from the factory in a clean white state, a general prescour should be sufficient. The cotton portion will probably require a scouring and possibly a bleaching if light or pastel shades are desired.
- In a fresh bath at 100°F(38°C), add:
- X % owg Orcolan Neutral™ dyes properly prepared
- 5 % owg Ammonium Sulfate
- 1 % owg Orco Salt O Solution™
- Circulate for 10 minutes.
- Slowly raise temperature to 190-195°F(88-90°C) and run for one hour. After 30 minutes, acetic acid may be added to promote exhaustion of the dye.
- Cool the bath to 140°F(60°C) and add:
- 5 % owg Glauber’s Salt
- X % owg Orcolitefast™ dyes properly prepared
- Adjust pH to 8.5 with soda ash, slowly raise temperature to 190-195°F(88-90°C), and run for 30 minutes.
- Over 45 minutes, add 30% owg Glauber’s Salt in three equal increments.
- Cool bath to 120°F(49°C) and overflow rinse cold until clear.