Acid Dyes

Acid dyes are water-soluble anionic dyes that are applied to fibres such as silk, wool, nylon and modified acrylic fibres from neutral to acid dye baths. Attachment to the fibre is attributed, at least partly, to salt formation between anionic groups in the dyes and cationic groups in the fibre. Water soluble Acid dyes are not substantive to cellulosic fibres. Acid dyes are used both commercially and by the studio, dyer to dye protein/animal fibres such as wool, silk, mohair, angora, alpaca and some nylons and synthetics. Acid dyes require the use of an acid such as vinegar, acetic or sulphuric acid to set the colour. These dyes are non-caustic and are named for the mild acid (such as vinegar) used in the dyeing process, and for the types of bonds, they form to the fibre.