Scouring:
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
 The technique used to removed surface finishes of fabric which may 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
prevent the fabric taking the dye adequately. The method used is to simply wash the 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
fabric in the machine in hot water and synthropol SP (or a quality washing powder) 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
and approximately a cup of soda ash. 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
Resist:
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
 The method used to block off part of the fabric to prevent dye penetration and 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
thereby creating a design. Methods used include wax (batik), potato dextrin, or simply 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
folding/tying the fabric to prevent dye uptake. 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
Mercerisation:
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
 To Treat cotton fabric with sodium hydroxide to increase the lustre 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
and to shrink the fibre and increase it’s affinity for dye.
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
Batching:
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
 Leaving the fabric to allow the dye process to work. You can batch fabric 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
from 2 hours in ideal conditions to up to a week.
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
Vat dyeing/immersion dyeing:
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
 The use of a large amount of water to float the dye 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
and fabric in. Auxiliary chemicals are needed in this process such as salt, detergent 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
and  water softener if required.
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
Low water immersion dyeing:
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
 The technique used to dye fabric using as little water 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
as possible. Less chemicals are required, less water wastage, and more texture is 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
gained in the surface design of the fabric.
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
Discharge:
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
 The process used to remove dye from the fibres creating a secondary 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
design. Usually bleach or Thiourea Dioxide is used. The chemicals can be applied 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
using various methods including brushes, sponges, stamps and sprays. Sodium 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
Metabisulphite (Anti-chlor Concentrate) is required to neutralise the bleach with this 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
procedure. Vinegar is a substitute if these products aren’t available. Sodium 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
Metabisulphite is available from home brew suppliers. Good ventilation is required 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
while using this chemical and a mask with acid cartridges is recommended while it is 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
in powder form.
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
Soda ash:
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
 This is sodium carbonate and is used to create the alkaline environment 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
that is required to fix the dye to the fibre. The ideal alkalinity is 10.5 - 11ph. Available 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
from dye houses and pool supply shops.
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
Urea:
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
 A nitrogen which acts as a humectant, it makes water wetter, so keeps the 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
dyeing process working for longer. Ideal for use in painting or printing with the dyes. 
--- RECORDSEPARATOR ---
It also helps to dissolve large amounts of dye in smaller amounts of water.