How to Mix or Make Soda Ash for Tie Dyeing with Procion Dyes

[@patgardner5621]

Dear Mr. TieDye...Thank you for the excellent soda ash presentation. You are a very patient person. You make explicit, informative videos and then answer the same questions about them over and over and over. You would make a great classroom teacher....or maybe you are a classroom teacher or parent, or both. Good job!

[@MrTieDye]

Thank you and you are welcome ... I am just an artist and I have been a step dad.... but most of my training and patience for these videos came from doing tie-dye school events and home parties over the last 16 years 😁🙏✌️

[@pumpkinpieprincess]

I love how you explain stuff so gentle

[@MrTieDye]

Thank you, I have worked in the schools for 16 years explaining tie-dye to kids so I think that set me up perfect to create these videos when I was called to do so

[@susiedixon6835]

Yeah. Hes so good. Been watchin bout 4 months. I love it.

[@robbiemills6623]

@@MrTieDye to

[@carmenjohnson8826]

I have been studying your videos all winter and I've been told I've come along way with my tie dyes. I said thank you it's all because of Mr Tie dye, he's the greatest. I say I study with Mr tie dye. Thank you

[@BSwint-xj7sd]

Mr. TieDye, thank you so much for your videos!! I absolutely love how you show multiple methods in case people don’t have all supplies available 😊

[@MrTieDye]

you are welcome ... I try to make it easier for anyone to be able to do tie-dye and have fun and success with it ✌🏻

[@alberts1985]

I’m impressed as usual. Did not know about the whole baking soda hack - professional work

[@Grapemom23]

I enjoy your videos. I am learning so much. I love that I can just follow along. I wear hearing aids, and some videos I just can't follow. I have my shirts, now to order my dyes. Thanks again :)

[@MrTieDye]

thank you and you are welcome, I am glad to be of help to you... I love this art and love sharing it with the World!! 🌎

[@jseal21]

Thank you for the info and excellent explanation. Made a batch of faded tees and I'm gonna give soda ash a go

[@MrTieDye]

you are welcome 🙏

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

Best video I have seen on this. I read about this 40 years ago but it was NOT very clear - back when we were using Grocery store dyes like RIT. Have done workshops with so called 'tie dye' experts and they appear to INTENTIONALLY leave out important aspects (making it mysterious and maybe they afraid of losing sales on 3 t-shirts) Thanks for your efforts.

[@MrTieDye]

Thank you and you are welcome.... and yes I love to help others have fun and success with this art ... so just in case, here is more info : Hello and Welcome to the Wonderful World of Tie-Dye .... I use Procion Dyes I pre wash and pre soak the cotton tees in a Soda Ash solution, this raises the pH level of the cotton which activates the Procion Dyes (sources listed below) and causes a chemical bond to form between the cotton fibers and the Procion Dyes. (Procion Dyes work on other natural fibers as well like : Bamboo, Hemp, Linen, Rayon, and even silk, but I use a slightly different process for silk) I have a ton of videos that are sorted into many different playlists so be sure to explore … 
 I have put a bunch of videos into one Playlist to help get you started with an overview of Tie-Dye, and then how to mix the Dyes, mix or make Soda Ash, Batch the tees (let the dyes set up so the bonding can happen), and the Rinse/Wash Out Process... Also, I have many videos on the basic folds and various ways of dyeing the cotton tees or tapestries ... Have fun exploring and I wish you success on your Tie-Dye Journey, Oh and I recommend taking photos of your work so you can look back and see how far you have come as this is an art that you will need to practice, but it pays off with getting better each time you do it ..... This art can be quite addictive, you have been warned lol 😉 Here is my Beginner's Playlist : kzbin.info/aero/PLMEtBqB2BzuquDrHsqxbv8LdFkaIyy3wo ✌🏻❤️🌈🥳🙏 Here is a list with some more folds to try out : kzbin.info/aero/PLMEtBqB2Bzupqjuh_6wdf-wMlgGdAjVaE Plus, there are many other tie-dye artists who share their techniques so others can learn, here is a list I have compiled that were mentioned in the tie-dye pages : kzbin.infochannels Most Dyers use Procion Dyes, so just in case you are looking for sources for those, here are the main places to buy them from in the US : CA : Dharma : www.dharmatrading.com/dyes/dharma-fiber-reactive-procion-dyes.html CO : Grateful Dyes : www.grateful-dyes.com/ CO : CO Wholesale Dye Corp. : www.bulkdye.com NC : Custom Colors Inc. : www.customcoloursinc.com/ MA : Pro-Chemical and Dye : prochemicalanddye.net/ MO : Dyespin : www.dyespin.com

[@studiotenfifty2565]

Great presentation on making and mixing soda ash.

[@MrTieDye]

Thank you so much 😊

[@ninavanlankveld6918]

Hi Mr. Tie Dye, I am making soda ash to use for my students, and this really helped me on how to make it from baking soda. Now my students can enjoy making tie dyes!

[@tinkabella2481]

who doesn't 👀👀 love Mr Tie Dye!!! 😍😍

[@MrTieDye]

✌🏻💚🙏🌈🤗

[@christinegravelle8054]

Thanks for this video, I am new at this and I’m Practising on a few shirts before I do my big project, which is a completely white dress that I would love to make into some kind of beautiful tie dye. So I guess you are the guy I should be watching, new subscriber and can’t wait to learn a lot from you. thanks

[@MrTieDye]

that is awesome, Welcome to the Wonderful World of Tie-Dye.... here is my beginner's playlist ..... kzbin.info/aero/PLMEtBqB2BzuquDrHsqxbv8LdFkaIyy3wo and I have many other lists with a ton of videos in them so have fun exploring and yes it is good to practice before you start on a dress project ... let me know if I can help or answer questions for you :) and most of all, have fun!!

[@nathan2476]

Thanks super helpful I just got into screen printing a design i drew and people have been asking for a tiedye version and only can afford baking soda+1xdye kit this really helped thankyou!!!!

[@MrTieDye]

You're so welcome ... have fun and I Wish you success!! ... one thing, if it is a 'One Step Kit' I recommend doing a soda ash soak and then tying all of your tees, once you have everything ready, then mix the dyes.... they are active as soon as you add water and you will get the best colors if used right away ... here is my Beginner's Playlist, the 5th video I talk about ways to improve your colors and some of the tips are for the store bought kits :kzbin.info/aero/PLMEtBqB2BzuquDrHsqxbv8LdFkaIyy3wo

[@spiderswebb5724]

Thank you for the information on soda ash. I really appreciate it

[@MrTieDye]

You are so welcome

[@cookieumbriaco2009]

I presoak every time I tie dye with the "one step"kits and the colors are awesome

[@MrTieDye]

Awesome!!

[@KarenMargaretSchmidler]

I want to thank you for your excellent videos. You are the best! I too have been tying and dying for 30 years. Its great to obsess and hear all your tricks and special ways of doing the fantastic things you do! Thank you so so much! Keep on truckin!

[@MrTieDye]

Wonderful... I am glad to be of help to you... I do try to find easier ways of doing things so I am always experimenting with some thing 😉✌🏻🙏

[@IAMGiftbearer]

Good explanation! I have a bunch of stuff I need to dye and wanted to make sure I did this the right way before doing the dye part.

[@MrTieDye]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@globalnomadswithanewf5754]

"You want to be fast acting with this so you don't get any chunks if you let it rest". Can confirm! I used soda ash for the first time yesterday before seeing this video! LOL

[@MrTieDye]

LOL... yep only takes one time :-)

[@kylemessicktiedyecollector5690]

I Searched for Baking Soda to mix it into soda ash that I saw on the Walmart app..... so I just want to offer to take One of Soda. Baking soda with a bag to poor just one in a time.

[@solocontinuity]

@@kylemessicktiedyecollector5690 I don't understand what you are trying to say here, could you try again?

[@richamaurya690]

Thank you so much for your videos!! Can I use washing soda in the place of soda ash ?

[@MrTieDye]

you are welcome and yes you can, just check the ingredients to make sure it says 100% soda ash or Sodium Carbonate .... but I have seen many dyers who use Arm & Hammer Washing Soda in place of soda ash

[@richamaurya690]

@@MrTieDye Thank you so much for your reply. Once we used warm water to make soda ask solution, can we use the the solution again or we have to heat it before every use?

[@rebeccahall8436]

Thank you for all your instructional videos! I love tie dyeing and have watched most of your videos at least once. I am a very impatient person and I have learned to follow your instructions, despite my impulses! And, my results continue to improve when I am patient and follow all the steps you recommend!! How many tshirts should I soak in 1 gallon of water and 1 cup of soda ash?? Thank you for your time!!

[@MrTieDye]

You are welcome, I love this art and I love to help others have fun and success with it as for the soda ash, you can soak as many as will fit in the basin... soda ash does not go bad, so you can soak tees, wring out the excess back into the basin and just keep using it, when the soda sh gets low, just make more and add it in ✌🏻

[@OtterSC2]

It might be cheaper from a pool store if buying bulk but here in Australia you can get soda ash from supermarkets. Its sold as "washing soda", it might be easy to get "washing soda" other places just make sure its sodium carbonate. I really like the plastic jug method it makes it easy to keep the right ratio and not make up more soda ash solution than you need. One note from my experience of just making up a batch, be careful if you have cuts on your hands/fingers. The soda ash solution hurts almost as much as lemon juice would, its quite strong.

[@MrTieDye]

thank you for your comments ... I know these help other people who are looking for answers

[@Monsterkey]

I was going to say the same thing about the laundry soda. Its pretty cheap for a box

[@andersonbridgelal8980]

Thank you for sharing this! I will try it! Blessings

[@MrTieDye]

you are welcome, I am glad to be of help

[@mikeodilison]

Thanks problem solved

[@elizabethwood8467]

Thank you for making this video! I am a new tie dyer and need all the help I can get.😁

[@MrTieDye]

You are so welcome! ... I love helping other have success with this art. Just in case, here is my Beginner's Playlist : kzbin.info/aero/PLMEtBqB2BzuquDrHsqxbv8LdFkaIyy3wo

[@lilsleepyz]

MrTieDye You Are So Helpful thank you for these videos!!

[@Susan-oe1ht]

Great tips thank u

[@MrTieDye]

You are so welcome!

[@LeonardEmeka-z1d]

It is very interesting 🎉.

[@ruthrecord6430]

I love your videos

[@richamaurya690]

Once we use warm water to make soda ask solution, can we use the solution again or we have to heat it before every use?

[@MrTieDye]

you can just use it at room temp, I mix mine with hot water because it seems to help it dissolve faster .... but you can just keep re suing the soda ash .... and when it gets low, just make more and add it in with the rest

[@richamaurya690]

@@MrTieDye Thank you :)

[@billyhuestiedye]

Good morning Sir! can hydroponic pH buffering solution be used in place of soda ash if i get the pH in the right range?

[@MrTieDye]

I do not know for sure, but I think it will work... we use soda ash to raise the pH level to 10.6 - 11.0 ..... so maybe try a tee and see how it goes ... also, you might look on the tie-dye pages as there are some dyers who know the chemical side better than I do, most of my learning is from direct experimentation .... but I have only used soda ash for mine

[@carmenjohnson8826]

In one of the videos they talk about salt to brighten the colors. When is this used.? I know about the soda ash, bit I was curious about the salt, how u would mix it, use it and apply it. Also any particular kind if salt

[@MrTieDye]

Yes, I sometimes will add the salt into my dyes when I mix them ... so for 16 oz of warm water, I add 1-2tbsp of salt and then 5-6tsp of dye and then I blend it until all is dissolved .... blacks and turquoise can be improved some with salt .... it is used in low water immersion dyeing to help 'push' the dye out of the water and into the fabric .... and yes I think any salt will work, but Glauber's Salt is what is recommended .... you can buy it from dharma, but I buy mine on Amazon : amzn.to/3woVkbg .... if you use this link, then I receive credit 😉

[@Kandicookheller]

Wonderful video and I'm so grateful. I have a question about soda ash if I want to try Procion dyes for batiking on Ginwashi Rice paper. I was using watercolors but would like to try something more vibrant. Do you think I would need a little soda ash solution added to my small containers of dye before I paint the dyes onto the rice paper? Would it be needed at all?

[@MrTieDye]

Thank you and no, I do not think the soda ash would be needed for paper

[@kylemessicktiedyecollector5690]

I like how it makes with Black Phoenix Tie Dye. Or in the other Resorting

[@MrTieDye]

thank you

[@lil.sp00ntheproffit41]

You’re the man

[@MrTieDye]

✌️

[@milest6111]

Much Gratitude

[@MrTieDye]

you are welcome 🙏

[@babygirlb3kah]

Thank you for this.

[@MrTieDye]

you are welcome

[@aliciaamandavalenti]

I’m here for the credits 😂

[@MrTieDye]

😂🥳🙏✌🏻

[@ameliayager975]

I have been using Rit dye for my tie dyes and have had some issues with fading and bleeding. Would soaking in soda ash instead of plain water before dying help with these issues? Have any advice? Thank you so much!

[@MrTieDye]

I have not used Rit before so I cannot speak to that, but you can try it and see if it changes anything ... but mostly I think the soda ash work with the fiber reactive dyes ... you can search their site and see if they have any tips for better colors .... and if they recommend a length of time for the dyes to set up, maybe try leaving for longer.... or mixing the dyes stronger but what I usually do is to recommend people switch to a better dye if they want to improve their results ... I have been using the same dyes for 20 years I use Fiber Reactive Procion Dyes. I buy most of mine from Dharma Trading Co. www.dharmatrading.com/dyes/dharma-fiber-reactive-procion-dyes.html I have also purchased the same kind of dyes from Custom Colours in NC and Grateful Dye in CO. Here is a video on how to mix the dyes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXfNY2tviZt1jMk

[@michelewalburn4376]

I accidentally left song some tye dyed shirts in the dye for nearly a week. My daughter and niece did it with their daughters then brought them home and left them for me to finish. I had agreed to because school was just starting abc my daughter and the girls were very busy. Well about a week later I found them in the bag, wrapped in plastic. Wow. They were the best I've ever seen from the kits. Maybe if you can't find anything on their website about the color you could just forget about them for awhile. Lol. It truly was accidental. We were just crazy busy. One of the girls asked if she could wear her new tye dye shirt to school the night before the first day and that is when I remembered them. They're beautiful though. They truly are.

[@pouponcrazycat5987]

Love u and ur colors

[@MrTieDye]

thank you :)

[@pamelamorris3148]

You can also take the wet tees and lay them amoung 2 dry towels to absorb much of the excess water. If you can't use your washing machine because of filling up with water or spraying water on your clothing, or a front loader won't allow you to spin without water spray.

[@MrTieDye]

Thank you for adding this tip in here, I love when people help other people ❤️✌🏻🙏

[@tukanavucago9509]

Thank you...

[@MrTieDye]

You're welcome!

[@sabrinabarnett9816]

Can you use colored flannels or tee shirts to soak in soda ash

[@donnaviolette6102]

Hi, love your video's,, I am a newbie, My question is after you die your shirts and let them set for 24hrs or more you than rince them, after that can you wash them all together or do I have to wash 1 at a time?

[@MrTieDye]

Thank you and welcome.... yes I leave mine to batch for 24-48 hours and then I rinse and wash them all together, here is my process : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmGwkKGpqbCeoK8

[@مدينةالجينز]

Beautiful professional

[@MrTieDye]

thank you

[@kylemessicktiedyecollector5690]

Did you mix it up with Bluebird into Lemon Yellow.

[@MrTieDye]

I have not mixed those two yet, but I will eventually ... sometimes I will leave the green out when I make a rainbow on a tee and just let the blue and yellow mix 😉

[@philiphackett5059]

I have always loved tie dye shirts and always wanted to try doing it myself,so when my son went to a tie dye party I tried it and loved it. So I bought a 1 step kit am going to tie dye some maskes and shirts next week on my vacation. I love you videos they are very informative. Any suggestions for a beginner?

[@MrTieDye]

That is awesome! as for the one step kits, they already have soda ash mixed in with the dyes, so as soon as you add water, they are active, SO, to get the best colors, you want to tie up all of the tees before you mix the dyes ... oh and if you have soda ash, you will get better colors if you do a pre soak .... then tie them up, mix your dyes and the get to adding the colors, you can open the creases of the tees to check for white areas and then batch them for 24 - 48 hours in a bag or a tub with a lid so the stay wet... this is when the dyes bond with the cotton fibers (oh and use 100% cotton tees) here is my beginner's play list that will give you more tips and tricks .... kzbin.info/aero/PLMEtBqB2BzuquDrHsqxbv8LdFkaIyy3wo have fun creating and Welcome to the Wonderful World of Tie-Dye

[@tonycaban5039]

Do You always test the PH of Your solution after You mix it? Or is that not necessary -Thank You

[@MrTieDye]

at this point, no I do not test it.... but in the beginning I did test a couple times to make sure I was in the zone... one cup to one gallon seems to work perfect

[@gresank3685]

Hello, I am from Mexico, I love what you do and I have tried to do it, but where do you buy your colorants to dye?

[@mahmoudlover1]

Thanks for your help , I'm going to print wool fabric by digital print using REACTIVE ink , and then steaming process , I want to try to used soda ash on the fabric before printing , do you think this will give good fixing and bright colors ?

[@MrTieDye]

you are welcome.... I do not know much about dyeing wool, but I did look into it a while back and from what i read, soda ash should not be used on wool... so you may look into it some to make sure you use the right thing... I know when I dye silk, I soak in white vinegar instead of soda ash.... but I never did figure out how or what to do with wool ... I wish you success.

[@faeangel20]

Thank you Mr tie dye ^-^

[@MrTieDye]

you are welcome

[@wasanawijewardana4309]

Please te me how to do batik.your explaining is very understanding.thank you

[@MrTieDye]

I have not done batik myself yet... but I would soak the fabric in soda ash, spin out the excess and then hang it to dry completely ... and then add your wax and then submerge in dye

[@ruwandikaweerawickram4646]

Thank you 🌷

[@MrTieDye]

you are welcome

[@MrTOMVIDAL]

Hey, thanks so much for the helpful videos! If I have soaked my fabric and it has dried in the meantime (I am making an intricate design on my tapestry and tyeing it a little bit each day), Should i resoak or at least wet it before adding the dye? Or is it fine if the fabric is dry when pouring on the dye? Thanks!

[@MrTieDye]

you are welcome.... and yes you can dye it dry, but sometimes the dye will want to roll around or off the tap when it is dry, if this is the case, then what I do is spray the tapestry lightly with soda ash... I just put some in a spray bottle

[@MrTOMVIDAL]

@@MrTieDye great! Thanks!!

[@frankantwi8998]

Thank you but how many times can you use the soda ash solution and how long can it last ...

[@MrTieDye]

As far as I know it is good forever unless you get something in it that contaminates it .... so I just use mine over and over and when it runs low, I make more and add it in

[@frankantwi8998]

@@MrTieDye Thanks

[@c.c.9401]

Hello MrTieDye! Quick question. If I use the bucket method could I have more than 1 shirt sitting in there soaking up the soda ash? After the 20 minute interval, I wring the shirt out and don’t apply the dye until the shirt gets damp? I just bought a bunch of dharma dye and can’t wait to get started. Cheers!

[@MrTieDye]

yes you can soak as many that will fit in your bucket, just make sure they are all covered with soda ash .... and then I wring out the excess and I use my washer to 'spin' out more of the soda ash... (the main thing with this method is to make sure your washer does not spray water during the spin cycle and if it does, then set it to half way through the cycle.... the water will dilute the soda ash and that will affect how the dyes work) this is my preferred method for folding as the tee folds easier than when it is dry... and it also take the dye good... but if they are too wet to start, then there is a possibility of having white in the tee as the tee can only hold so much liquid ... have fun and I wish you success!!

[@allonesame6467]

Wonderful! Thank You!

[@MrTieDye]

you are welcome

[@mettlehed76]

Maybe this is answered already, but curious if there are any hazards to oven baking baking soda to render my own soda ash?

[@MrTieDye]

I am not aware of any, this is the site I got my info from, but I do see I used a cookie sheet with tin foil, and they recommend a glass baking dish ..... www.pburch.net/dyeing/FAQ/bakingsoda.shtml

[@janetshp3679]

Hi Mr. Tie Dye! I’ve been dyeing for a while traditionally with liquid dye, but recently I’ve taken up ice dyeing. I’ve watched a lot of your videos, and I could have sworn in one of them you said that soda ash in the dye bottle could potentially weaken the colors. So I’ve always soaked my shirts before putting the powder on for ice dye. However, I’ve seen other people sprinkle the soda ash on top of the ice when ice dying. It seems wasteful to me because it seems like that would just turn into solids on top of the shirt and never actually make it into the shirt. I know that you’re putting a boat load more water on with ice dyeing, but I still feel good about putting them on a soda ashed shirt. What’s your take on that? Thanks!!

[@MrTieDye]

Hello Janet ... most of my experience has been with liquid dyeing ... and I am not sure what I said in the video you mention about the soda ash weakening the colors ... It was probably about soda ash mixed in with liquid dyes... it activates the dyes ... once the dyes are active, they should be used quickly as the longer they sit, the weaker color you will get from them .... it is not about soda ash deteriorating the dyes, but the activating of them... once they are activated, they will try to bond, but if there is not cotton fibers or other natural fibers around, they have nothing to bond to .... so, like the 'One Step Kits' that are sold in stores, most of these have soda sh mixed in with the dye powders and this is fine, but once water is added to the bottles, the dyes are active ... I recommend to people using those kits to get all of their tees tied and ready, then mix the dyes and use it right away for best colors. SO, now onto Ice Dyeing ... the soda sh does dissolve as the ice melts so this will add soda ash to the dyes, but they are going right into the tees and bonding with the cotton fibers ... the way I have been doing my ice dyes are the same way I have been doing HWI... I mix 2tsp of dye powder in with 1/4 - 1/3 cup of soda ash... then I sprinkle that onto my tees and then I add the ice ... I know there are many ways to do Ice Dyeing, some work better than others and some give different results than other methods ... experiment and find which ays you like... OR... ask questions on the FB Ice Dyeing page as they have played with it much more than I have ... more of my expertise is around liquid dyeing Here is a link to the Ice Dye page on FB : facebook.com/groups/822773287815267

[@janetshp3679]

Thank you so much!!

[@loraborealis2551]

Will soaking your T-shirts in soda ash before you die them help the color be brighter even if you’re just getting the die from Walmart?

[@MrTieDye]

Yes it will... I use Procion Dyes and the soda ash is what activates them .... as for the store bought kits, they too are usually using procion dyes, the difference is they add soda ash to the dye bottles ... so the dyes are active as soon as you add water to the bottles ... also, it does not seem like they add enough soda ash, so doing a pre soak of the cotton tee in soda ash will help improve your colors with the store bought kits.... ALSO, anohter thing that will help is getting all of your cotton tees soaked and tied up... then mix the dyes and use them right away ... and then let them batch for longer before washing them, this will give the dyes more time to bond with the cotton fibers.... all un bonded dyes get washed away .... Here is a video where I discuss Improving your Colors : kzbin.info/www/bejne/rImpmWZ5frJ9fcU

[@loraborealis2551]

@@MrTieDye , Thank you so much!

[@maxxinemeyer5773]

Learn a lot from your videos , great details , perfect speed . Just order dharma products ... where do you buy your tshirts from ? There are so many different bulk sites but looking to find the best .

[@MrTieDye]

I am glad you are finding my videos to be helpful.... as for tees, I buy mine wholesale from sanmar.com ... but I know a lot of dyers buy from jiffyshirts.com or alldayshirts.com and I have also heard of alphabroder.com ... I am not sure which is the best since I do most all of my buying wholesale

[@maxxinemeyer5773]

MrTieDye yes I am looking for wholesale , I did order from shirtwholesaler to see how they are and will try one of those sites next . Thank you !

[@destinybrooks4667]

What would you do if the PH was lower than what you need? Also what test strips are you using and where did you buy it?

[@MrTieDye]

I would add more soda ash powder and blend or shake some more. And I bought these from dharma several years ago, I think they are a bit old and not completely accurate, but I have tested my soda ash from dharma enough to know that one cup works great for one gallon of water, so when all three test about the same, I knew the other two were the same as the dharma soda ash You can probably buy the pH test stripes in other places, just make sure they go up to at least 11 or 12 as some stripes are for other things and only go to 7

[@TacumaGamba]

Have you ever dyed leather? What do you think the best way to use procion dyes on leather?

[@MrTieDye]

I have done a little bit ... and I just used a brush and brushed the dye on and it soaked right into the leather ... but that's all I did ... it seems to stay just fine ... I have also dyed some wood and it soaked in to the grain nicely

[@TacumaGamba]

@MrTieDye yeah brushing seems like the way to go, I did immersion, and it's way too dark. Thanks for the response.

[@teehee401]

How long does the soda ash water last after you mix it and seal it in a jug?

[@MrTieDye]

IMO it does not go bad ... I just keep using the same soda ash to soak my tees in and when it runs low, I just mix more and add it in with the rest ... that being said, I cannot speak to a jug that has been mixed and left to sit for years ... my opinion above is for when you are using it ✌🏻

[@stitchlightly5995]

Thank you so much for all this info! Will the soda ash still work if the item has been air dryed? I do resist dyes and would like to use procions, but am wondering if I can soak in soda ash, line dry, and then add the resist. Will it work the same? Great channel! Really appreciate it!!

[@MrTieDye]

you are welcome.... And Yes the soda ash will work wet of dry ... there are times when I do 'dye painting' ... I tie-dye the tee and leave a white space... batch, wash, dry..... then I will spray the white spot with soda sh and then let it dry completely.... then I paint with dye ..... OR, I will fold a soaked tee, tie with sinew, let it dry completely and then dye it ... soda ash is good until it is washed away ✌🏻

[@russellstrauss]

Will it cause problems if your ash-soaked and spin shirts dry before you dye them?

[@MrTieDye]

no it is not ... if I tie up mandalas that have lots of layers of fabric in them, I will let them dry completely before I dye them, this will assist in saturation of the deeper layers as the liquid will wick through the fabric if it is dry BUT, one thing, sometimes the dye will roll off the dry fabric rather than soak in, if this happens, then I use a spray bottle and lightly spray the tee/tap with soda ash water... then the dye should soak in If I do want to keep them damp for longer period of time, I store them in a tub with a lid to keep them damp ✌🏻

[@bisoyetowolawi7375]

Thank you for this training. I need to ask this question. Is not necessary i add sulphate to dyes before dying a clothe?

[@MrTieDye]

you are welcome... and I do not use a sulphate as these are fiber reactive Procion dyes, they just need the soda ash, which raises the pH and causes the dye to bond.... www.dharmatrading.com/dyes/dharma-fiber-reactive-procion-dyes.html But, if you are using natural dyes, then yes you need a sulphate or mordant ... but I have not used them, so I do not know that process, but dharma does carry natural dyes and mordants so they may have info as well on the process

[@bisoyetowolawi7375]

Thank you for this information. I really appreciate.

[@apriljackson8038]

Can i use the jug of Soda ash to fill dye bottle with powder to liquid. I do understand that the shelf life will be short.

[@MrTieDye]

I do not see why not, but like you said, the life of the dyes will be short, so use them as soon as you mix them

[@jacquelinebobcombe1865]

Thanks very much, this is very helpful, you have a new subscriber Stay safe

[@Bonbon54220]

Is there anything you can add to the dye to make it last a few days in a bottle? Like can you preserve it for at least a couple days? Or do you always have to use every single drop? Thank you.

[@dianaj1524]

MissB 55 Dye will last a few days or longer in a bottle at room temperature or much longer in a refrigerator. Some colors fade faster. It only has to be used right away if there is soda ash or baking soda in the bottle like in a one step kit.

[@MrTieDye]

the Procion dye will last 2-3 weeks at room temp and even longer if you have a fridge to store them in... the main thing with dyes needing to be used all in the same day is the 'One Step Kits' .... most times that means the soda ash has been added to the dye powder, so as soon as you add water, then the dyes are active and need to be used within a few hours or they start to lose the strength ..... so buying the Procion dyes and doing a pre soak in soda ash is much better than the kits from the store

[@BananaMana69]

Hello Mr. Tie Dye I see some other people say to use salt with the pre soak do you ever do that?

[@MrTieDye]

I do not, but I think it has to do with the kind of dyes you use... I work with Procion Fiber Reactive Dyes and the soda ash raises the pH level of the cotton fibers and causes a chemical bond between the dye and the cotton fibers .... I have heard of using salt, but I am not sure what kind of dyes they were using ✌🏻

[@blankmandastankman]

This video is extremely interesting. Now, around the 6:00 mark u began to bring up PH levels to determine satisfactory level mixtures. My question about that is, do u have any idea if using alkaline/ionized water that already are made with higher ph levels? Do u think this would improve the outcome? Thanks for ur videos they are awesome btw. How u created a heart tie dye is pretty cool and eventually I’m going to try to create multiple little tie dye heart design prints all over a tee to see what that’s like

[@MrTieDye]

thank you... and I am not sure about the alkaline/ionized water and how it would affect the pH as I have not used it before... I just know from what i have read on the dharma site as well as others that the optimum pH for tie-dye is between 10.6 - 11.0 and once cup of soda ash in regular water works perfect .... way back in the day I bought the test stripes to check on my soda ash water ... same stripes I used in the video, but they were just a little old so the reading were a bit high, but they were all the same .... and yes I have always loved to create images with tie dye and the heart is one of the first ones i made ,,, have fun exploring and trying new designs :-)

[@sharonmcconnell1306]

So you soak your item in soda ash before AND after you dye it? Also, once the fabric is soaked, does it need to be dyed in a certain time frame or can you soak a bunch, let it dry and then use it whenever you do a dye session?

[@solocontinuity]

Great Question - I'd like to hear the answer to this. About to go check out the videos for beginners.

[@tyronecampbell6521]

can i use rit powder dye...if so are measuments the same?

[@MrTieDye]

I have never use Rit Dye myself, but I know it is not the same as the Procion Dyes, so you will not get the same results from it ... I recommend trying Procion Dyes, here are links to the main places in the US to purchase the Procion Dyes from : CA : Dharma : www.dharmatrading.com/dyes/dharma-fiber-reactive-procion-dyes.html CO : Grateful Dyes : www.grateful-dyes.com/ CO : CO Wholesale Dye Corp. : www.bulkdye.com NC : Custom Colors Inc. : www.customcoloursinc.com/ MA : Pro-Chemical and Dye : prochemicalanddye.net/ MO : Dyespin : www.dyespin.com I buy most of mine from dharma and love them ... and I know they have kits with the Procion Dyes as well incase you just want to try them out first BUT, if you are not ready for them yet, you can try one of the 'One Step Kits' like Tulip ... for those I recommend still doing a soda ash soak to get better results... ALSO, wait until you have tied up all of your tees BEFORE you mix the dyes.... they mix the soda ash in with the dyes, so they are active as soon as you add water to them and will give the best colors if used right after mixing... the longer you wait, the lighter the colors will be ... here is a video where I discuss ways to improve your colors and talk some about kits : kzbin.info/www/bejne/rImpmWZ5frJ9fcU and then this is my Beginner's Playlist with lots of helpful tips and tricks to getting started with tie-dye and Procion Dyes :kzbin.info/aero/PLMEtBqB2BzuquDrHsqxbv8LdFkaIyy3wo

[@tyronecampbell6521]

@@MrTieDye thanks I bought some kits and rit dye as well

[@cortneyantonson4697]

Seriously, your videos are the only ones I watch when it comes to tie dying!!! Question though, you said that using Baking Soda isn't really the one you want to use to make it so I don't want to make too much of it. If I only make 1 cup of it do I put it in the oven for half the time or would you suggest to still bake it for an hour? Not sure if I'm going to ruin it or not if I bake it for too long.

[@MrTieDye]

thank you and you are welcome ... as for making soda ash ... yes you use baking soda and I would still heat for the full time like I show in the video ... I am not sure about my comment, but it was probably in reference to me preferring to use already made soda ash ... I can buy it at a local pool supply store ... 50lbs for $35 .... that is more convenient than making my own..... BUT, if you do not have access to soda ash, then yes using Baking Soda to make your own is a great thing about this art... lots of options ... I hope that made sense ✌🏻🙏🌈

[@cortneyantonson4697]

@@MrTieDye It does make sense! Thank you for replying so quick!!

[@dianaj1524]

The one step kits like Tulip have baking soda in them instead of soda ash. Thats the reason the results can be faded since baking soda doesn’t raise the ph high enough to fix the dye. I always add soda ash to the bottles or soda soak if I have to use a one step kit

[@MrTieDye]

thank you for the info

[@sharzanco]

Very useful, can i use Suda ash for dye my Tshirt , not tie dye , i had bad experience, i dye my T shirt i used vinegar to make color stay , but the color still comes out please advice ! like following from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

[@kothestigma476]

Wait you resoak some shirts that have already been dyed in soda ash again??

[@kathleenelias0]

Yes. But only to re-dye and add more color. I've done it a lot lol. You can spiral black over it or really any color. It's pretty cool.

[@MrTieDye]

yes, when I do an over dye or re dye a tee that I either just want to add more color to, I could not get the thing folded and dyed all at one time , or if I did not like how it came out, I can over dye it ..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYGskGVprJt9obs

[@MrTieDye]

thank you

[@katrinarossi5505]

I got little sprinkling of dark spots of dye on my tie dyes this time using soda ask, I'm thinking the soda ash got not dissolved ? And it made dark spots ? Any recommendations

[@MrTieDye]

in my experience, it tends to be the dye that does not dissolve all the way ... so they a little speck of dye will sit on the tee or whatever and dye a darker spot while it batches ... so a couple solutions I have come up with ... first thing is to dye the tee inside out, this way if you have the little spots, most of them will be on the inside of the tee... to check this out... go find a tee that has these spots and look on the reverse side of the fabric where the spots are... most times they do not soak all the way through, but at the very least, the spots will be much smaller if you turn the tee inside out to dye it Another thing when doing liquid dyeing is to make sure you mix the dyes well enough so all of the dye gets dissolved... once I am done mixing my liquid dyes, I pour them through a fine mesh filter, this will catch the little bits that have not dissolved all the way... NOTE : if there are just a couple specks, it is fine to just rinse the filter and move on .... BUT, if there is a lot of gunk in the filter, you will need to tap this back into the dye mixing cup, add more water and blend some more, or this could put the shade of the color off ... that gunk would be undissolved dye and with some colors, there are more than one color of dye in the mix, so if you leave some of it out, then you are missing 'ingredients' for this color of dye ( I hope that made sense to you) Another thing that could happen is the insides of the bottles of dye will build up some 'residue' and this can slowly come off and land on your tee as you dye them, so cleaning your dye bottles now and then can help as well... here is how I clean mine : kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4eqd5Rvbsxog9k I hope these tips help ✌️

[@kothestigma476]

Your the best!!

[@MrTieDye]

thank you, I am just doing my part :-)

[@susanmoody4529]

Should my shirts be washed and air dried before soaking them in soda ash? Is the soda ash already mixed into the colors when it is packaged like this? Thank you!

[@MrTieDye]

doing a pre wash is recommended just in case there is a treatment of some sort added at the factory that may interfere with the dyes bonding... but they can be spun out and then tossed right into the soda ash As for soda ash, yes some of the one step kits you buy in the store have soda ash in with the dye powders, so as soon as you add water, they dyes are active, for this reason, I recommend waiting until you have your tees tied up before you mix your dyes to get the best colors.... ALSO, if you have soda ash, you may get better colors if you still do a soak in soda ash even if there is soda ash in the dyes ... and then the kits recommend 6-8 hours for batch time, I still recommend 24 hours minimum, but I leave mine for 48 hours to give the dyes more time to bond. these dyes will not last long so try to use them up in one dye session. BUT, if you buy Fiber reactive Procion dyes from Dharma or other places like Custom Colours or Grateful Dyes, then they are just dye powder and will last much longer, I have mine around for 2-3 weeks before I notice a difference in the colors, and if you have a spare fridge to store them in, they will last even longer. AND, for these you need to soak in soda ash before you tie, or you can tie first and then soak... OR you can even tie them, dye them and then squirt soda sh on before you batch. I hope this answered your question.

[@susanmoody4529]

MrTieDye Thank you very much!

[@nubealaniz614]

I have a lot of shirts that I'm going to tie dye and I have dark colored shirts and white shirts if I put in all the shirts at the same time in the soda ash will it affect the white shirts from the dark colored shirts

[@MrTieDye]

it is possible that some color may leach out of the already dyed tees, so I soak mine separately just in case

[@joel3001]

Does Soda Ash help keep dye on the shirt?

[@MrTieDye]

Yes, soda ash is what activates the Fiber Reactive Procion dyes... so without it, most of the dye would just be washed away.... with the soda ash, the dye forms a chemical bond with the cotton fibers and becomes part of the fabric

[@deniseawiltsie4843]

How long can you keep the soda ash in a container

[@MrTieDye]

I keep mine forever and just keep using it, when it runs low, I make more and add it in

[@dmv1408]

So if I do the baking soda method I pretty much need to use that mixture then right? Versus saving the solution as u would with soda ash..I’m guessing the baking soda is ready because it’s heat activated and wouldn’t save in the water or by itself?

[@MrTieDye]

As far as I know, once you convert the baking soda to soda ash by heating it, then it can then be saved and used as soda ash .... and I just keep making more as mine runs low and I add it in with the rest

[@juvdavid]

How much time does it take to soak the shirt before (damp) drying it and add dye? And can you keep and re-use the soda ash mixture that you use in soaking the first batch of the shirt? Thank you 😊

[@MrTieDye]

I soak mine for 20 minutes and just make sure they are saturated well when I take them out of the bucket... and yes, the soda ash is good to keep and re use... I just keep making more and adding it to the tub when it get low

[@juvdavid]

@@MrTieDye thank you 😊

[@arlawilliams8266]

On the washing powder it says it is made from 2 ingredients. Water and soda ash. Would you still use the measurements you gave?

[@MrTieDye]

without knowing more about the product you refer to, I would add some extra in just to be sure, most of the ones I have seen say 100% soda ash... it should be fine, but if you have issue with your first try with this, then I would find some pH test stripes that go above 11 ... because the range you want your soda ash is 10.6 - 11.0 ..... but you can mix it stronger... you just do not not want it to be weaker as then the dyes are not properly activated I use Soda Ash from a local pool supply store

[@arlawilliams8266]

It is Arm&Hammer washing soda. Thank you for responding.

[@gwafzdatingaling3678]

What if I use soda ash once...can i use it again or i do it some another one?thanks

[@MrTieDye]

yes you can continue to use the same soda ash and just add more as it gets low

[@gwafzdatingaling3678]

MrTieDye i have only one problem..i cant buy sodium algenate for thick my dye..have you recommend any other one..I’m from Philippines..thanks Mr.tie dye..your the best

[@nouphara3709]

what is the different between soda ash use for swimming pool and soda ash use for tie dye ?

[@MrTieDye]

IMO they are the same ... Soda ash, also known as Sodium Carbonate has many uses ... for both tie-dye and pool use, it raises the pH level ... not sure about the needs of a swimming pool, but the Procion Dyes that most dyers work with need a pH of around 10.6 - 11.0 for the dyes to set up/ bond good with the cotton or other natural fibers ... I buy my soda ash from the local pool/hot tub supply store for like $35.00 for a 50lb bag ... ad no shipping charges

[@theonepongalu6396]

hi mr.tiedie can i resuse the soda ash water again.?

[@MrTieDye]

Yes you can save it and just keep using it, when it gets low, just make more and add it in

[@theonepongalu6396]

@@MrTieDye thanks Ser. more power to your channel keepsafe always and take care. 😊😊🌈🏳️‍🌈🙏🥰♥️🔥 from. phillippines🇵🇭

[@kylemessicktiedyecollector5690]

Where did you get that Blender from?.

[@MrTieDye]

I bought mine from Amazon, but the price has gone up a lot lately ✌🏻

[@ntptingz1864]

Will soda ash enhance the effect of liquid dyes or does it only work for the powdered ones?

[@MrTieDye]

Soda Ash is what activates the Fiber Reactive Procion dyes whether you mix them into liquid form or use them as powders for ice dyes ... so it is needed

[@chriissteen]

@@MrTieDye I got impatient for my Procion dye to arrive and used Rit liquid.I did the soda ash thinking Ahhh Rit dye will work if I use this. I mixed it extra strong with hot water so I wouldn't have to do it over the stove. Big disaster. I know some people use it for tye die. Not sure how the do very many colors.

[@MarlinPiper2024]

2 questions. 1-will the soda ash water mixture that is spun out in washer clog or cake up in the drain PVC pipe (eventually)? 2- Do I have to apply dye to the damp T shirt, or can the T shirt completely dry first (after soda ash treatment)?

[@MrTieDye]

first, no the soda ash will not clog the drain up as it has been dissolved and will just pass on through ... many regular detergents have soda ash in them for your regular washing... this is why we use a special soap like Synthrapol or Blue Dawn Dish soap as they are both pH neutral, meaning they will not re-activate the dyes as you are washing them out and second, yes you can let the tee dry all the way before you add the dyes, I do this sometimes when I have tied up a mandala tightly with sinew and I want to insure better saturation ... most times I prefer to dye while slightly damp, but when tying a tee tightly with sinew, some extra liquid can get 'trapped' within the folds when everything is tightened up with the sinew and this can seemingly 'block' the movement of the dyes through the fabric there is one more way to do the soda ash... you can tie the tee just damp after the pre-wash, then dye it and then add soda ash to the dyed tee... I just pour mine over the top, let sit to soak in, then I flip and coat the other side... when I do it this way, I mix my soda ash with 2 cups instead of one and here is a video to show how I apply the soda ash, it is the third tee : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJzQcoSuhNpoaKM in the files section of the 'Tie-Dyeing' page on FB, there is a listing for the 'Pariah' Method where Paul describes how he mixes everything

[@kylemessicktiedyecollector5690]

How did you use different soda ash like Xanthan Gum or Still Sodium Alginate?

[@MrTieDye]

Soda ash is what activate the Procion Dyes, I soak my tees in it before I tie and dye them .... although, you do not have to soak before you tie... you can tie first and then soak in soda sh... OR, you can tie and dye and then add the soda ash.... I demo these methods in my latest video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJzQcoSuhNpoaKM Sodium Alginate is what I thicken my dyes with ... here is my video on making thick water and then dye : kzbin.info/www/bejne/n57EhYuNmbN9itE

[@kylemessicktiedyecollector5690]

​@@MrTieDyeI am totally possibly sure that I can go on ahead and stick it to the soda ash on top of my white container.

[@ahmadasyraf9561]

Hello Mr, why you separate 2 t-shirts while soaking ? can i just mix them up ? since i wanted to do a lot of tie dye t-shirts at once. Please answer 🙏🏻

[@MrTieDye]

yes you can soak them all together... the only reason I did them separate is I was doing a test with two different soda ashes as well as one that I made myself ..... but normally, ALL of my tees go in together to soak, I apologize for the confusion

[@georgiastryffeler4301]

I just bought a bottle of MAXTITE SODA ASK LITE , my question is it the same thing as the soda ash used for soaking t-shirt before dying my T-shirts?

[@MrTieDye]

I looked it up and found this : www.amazon.com/Soda-Ash-Lite-lbs-Resealable/dp/B09967K49P ......... Soda Ash is Sodium Carbonate and it raises the pH to cause the dyes to activate and bond with the cotton fibers.... so yes this will work ... but I think you could find it cheaper .... dharma sells 5lb bags for $5.95 plus shipping : www.dharmatrading.com/chemicals/soda-ash-fixer.html many people find pH Up in local stores and I buy my soda ash (Sodium Carbonate) from a pool supply store here in town, I get a 50lb bag for $35.00

[@georgiastryffeler4301]

@@MrTieDye you are so helpful I really appreciate your help. And all your videos.. my husband is always asking me what I am watching in the evening while he is watching TV .. I tell him Mr tie dye he’s amazing and I love watching him. I think he gets a little jealous. LOL.. but he wears the t-shirts I make for him. I found a Pink Floyd long sleeve white t-shirt I dye.. it turned out awesome if I say so myself, he gets a lot of compliments on it.. he tell everyone that his wife made it🤘✌️

[@shyamkhatri1291]

Can you please tell How much should I take soda ash per litre

[@MrTieDye]

I use a cup to one gallon..... on the Tie Dye UK & Ireland FB page, they said to use 50g to 2.5 litres

[@emmanuelkatse325]

How do I reuse soda ash? Do I heat it or just use it as is?

[@MrTieDye]

you just keep soaking tees in the solution, I soak, then wring out the excess back into the bucket... when it starts to get low, I mix up more soda ash and pour it into the bucket with the rest... I use hot water to mix is because the hot water helps to dissolve the soda ash powder faster, other than that, I use mine at room temp ✌️

[@emmanuelkatse325]

@@MrTieDye thank you❤

[@kevindoner9799]

Do you pre wash your shirts?

[@MrTieDye]

yes, it is recommended as some manufacturers add stuff to the tees that can interfere with the dyeing process ...

[@Miranda.Powers]

Is it bad that I have googled how to make soda ash from baking soda but knew you going to make a video on soda ash, so I waited for it?😁😁 Thank you for answering my questions on it being the same when baked 😊 (did that make any sense?😆)

[@kathleenelias0]

I always make my own. It's cheaper

[@MrTieDye]

yes that made sense and no it is not bad... I love to inspire people to learn and explore

[@janinemaecia7489]

Can we dye a shirt without soda ash?

[@MrTieDye]

when using Procion Fiber Reactive Dyes, the Soda Ash/Sodium Carbonate is what activates the dyes (meaning it is what causes the chemical bond between the cotton fibers and the dye particles) ... if you do not add soda ash to the tee before you batch it, the dyes may slightly stain the tee, but the rest of the dye will just wash out ... BUT, you do not have to pre soak the tee, you can pre wash the tee, then tie and dye it, then add sod ash to the tee, then put it away to batch : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJzQcoSuhNpoaKM

[@bethtuten9378]

I live in a rural area, so I don't know what the price would be for the big buckets of soda ash, but for my money, it's cheapest to buy the 55 oz box in the laundry section at WM or on Amazon Prime. The couple times I checked, there was only 1-2 cent difference in the price per box. I also checked Amazon for best price, and the ~3+ lb box was the same price per pound as the big buckets labeled for pool. I don't do a lot of dyeing, so I just get the box. Side note: the hardened soda ash will eventually - over several days - dissolve into the water on its own, without the assistance of a hammer.

[@MrTieDye]

that sounds great... thank you for sharing .... oh and I had one lump that never did dissolve... I just tossed the jug out ;-)