Everything you Need to Know about Dharma Acid Dye Blacks (and how to use them in your own dye projects)
Share
Dyeing with black can be very satisfying and can also cause permanent damage to your creative souls yarn dyeing journey. So I want to provide you with all the details so you can enjoy the art part of it more.
The Deep Dark & Scary
The dye job was uneven with lighter patches of grey. Sometimes, my blacks turned purple, blue, sometimes green. It was never deep enough or dark enough. The dye bled into the other colours and, white areas I wanted to stay white turned grey, creating a sort of a zombie apocalypse yarn. Not like a cool niche theme, more like a yarn that will be added to the ugly yarn stash. One day I will find it at the bottom of the bin, think it’s pretty nice - but by that time it will have felted there and won’t be useable.
A Brighter Black Comeback
Dharma Acid Dyes offer a range of black dyes that can yield vibrant, deep, and consistent results. This guide will help you navigate everything you need to know about dyeing dark solids and dyeing with Dharma Acid Dye blacks so that you can achieve those deep dark dye results you want.
Why Use Dharma Acid Dyes for Black?
Dharma Acid Dyes are a popular choice for dyeing protein fibres like wool, silk, and nylon. Dharma Acid Dye blacks offer:
Rich Colours: They achieve true blacks and shades of grey.
Customisation: You can mix them to create different hues of black, from warm to cool tones.
Consistency: Proper technique yields even dye results with excellent wash-fastness.
The Different Dharma Acid Dye Blacks
Dharma offers two black dyes, each with its own unique characteristics:
True Black
A bold, intense black with purple or red undertone and excellent coverage.
• Maintains its depth even in low-light environments.
• Ideal for solid, vibrant black applications.
Uses:
• Ideal for solid black applications when depth and richness are desired.
• Suitable for creating warm, muted tones in blends or washes.
Why True Black Leans Purple
Composition: True Black is a composite dye made by blending multiple primary dyes. In many cases, the blackest blacks contain a significant amount of blue and red tones to achieve depth. These red and blue components can become more apparent under certain conditions, especially when diluted or not fully saturated.
Fibre Type: Protein fibres like wool and silk may emphasise the purple undertones due to the way they absorb and reflect the dye.
Concentration: At lower concentrations or in light washes, the purple undertones of True Black are more noticeable.
pH Levels: The pH of your dye bath can influence how undertones appear. A more acidic dye bath might subtly shift the balance of the dye’s undertones.
How to Mitigate Purple Undertones
If you want a more neutral or warm black with True Black, here are a few tips:
1. Add Yellow or Brown Tones: Mixing in a small amount of Dharma Acid Dye Yellow or Chocolate Brown can help counteract the purple. Start with a tiny amount (for example .1g)
2. Layering Dyes: Over dye it with a warm colour like Honey Mustard or Tobacco Leaf in very diluted amounts to neutralise the purple cast.
3. Increase Concentration: Using True Black at full strength minimizes undertones since the saturation overwhelms the subtle purple cast.
4. Switch to Toner Black: If you need a more neutral or cooler black, Toner Black may be better suited, as its undertones lean toward gray/blue rather than purple.
Experimenting with True Black
If you love the richness of True Black but want to control its purple undertones, experimenting with color mixing can give you more control. For example:
• Mix True Black + a touch of Yellow for a deep, earthy black.
• Combine True Black + Toner Black to balance warmth and neutrality.
These tweaks can help you achieve a black tone that aligns with your vision. If you’re regularly encountering purple undertones, it might just become part of your creative style to lean into or counterbalance.
Toner Black
• A black with subtle green or cool undertones.
• Great for layering, gradients, or creating softer, smokey grays.
• Blends beautifully with blues, greens, or neutral grays for custom effects.
Uses:
• Preferred for cool, neutral blacks in projects requiring a modern or subdued aesthetic.
• Frequently used for shading, toning, or creating depth in complex colour blends and colour mixing.
Key Factors for Dyeing with Black
To achieve even, rich results, consider the following:
1. Fibre Type
Dharma Acid Dyes work best on protein fibers (wool, silk, alpaca) and nylon. Other fibers, like cotton, won’t bind properly with acid dyes.
2. Water Quality
The pH and hardness of your water can influence dye uptake. Use distilled water if you experience uneven results. Personally, I have not had any issues with this.
3. Heat and Time
Blacks often require higher temperatures (up to 200 degrees f or higher) and longer processing times to fully develop. Patience is key. The time it takes for deep blacks to absorb into the fibre always catches me off guard. Did I do something wrong? Did I forget the acid? Most likely it needs a lot more time at a higher heat - which worryingly can affect the fibre quality. Start low and slow, try not to agitate the fibre. Or, layer it in two batches. To achieve a deep rich hue for 100g of yarn, use 2.5g of True Black Dharma Acid Dye and 100ml of vinegar or 2 tbsp of citric acid.
4. Acid
Additives like citric acid or vinegar are essential to fix the dye. Use 2 tablespoons of citric acid per 100g of fibre for vibrant, wash-fast results.
How to Use Dharma Acid Dye Blacks
Follow this step-by-step guide for best results:
Materials Needed
• Dharma Acid Dye (choose your black)
• Wool, silk, or nylon fiber
• Large stainless steel pot
• Citric acid or white vinegar
• Measuring spoons and scale
• Water and gloves
Step-by-Step Process
1. Prewash the Fiber
Wash your fibre with a gentle soap or synthrapol to remove any oils or residue.
2. Prepare the Dye Bath
• Fill your pot with enough lukewarm water to allow the fibre to move freely.
• Add the dye powder. 2g or more for black, 2.5g or more for a rich deep black. Based on 100g of fibre. Adjust for deeper or lighter shades.
3. Dissolve the Dye
Use a small amount of hot water to dissolve your dye powder. Then add any 200ml more of water warm to hot. Stir thoroughly to ensure all dye powder dissolves evenly. Wait 15 minutes for the dye to fully dissolve. Place your dye solution into the pot of lukewarm water and stir 30 times or more for completely even mixing.
4. Add the Fiber
• Submerge your fiber into the dye bath.
• Slowly raise the temperature to 200 degrees f, over a period of one hour.
6. Simmer and Stir
• Maintain the heat for 30-45 more minutes.
• Stir gently to prevent uneven dyeing.
7. Cool and Rinse
Allow the fiber to cool completely in the pot to prevent felting. Rinse with cool water until the water runs clear.
Tips for Success
1. Test First: Always do a test sample to see how the dye reacts with your fiber and water.
2. Layer Colours: For a richer black, layer dye in multiple passes rather than overloading the dye bath.
3. Mix for Custom Blacks: Combine blacks with other Dharma colours to tweak undertones.
4. Keep Records: Document dye recipes, temperatures, and times for consistent results.
Common Challenges with Black Dyes
1. Uneven Dyeing: Ensure your fibre moves freely in the dye bath and stir occasionally.
2. Green or Purple Hues: Some blacks can lean toward green or purple. Use colour theory to neutralise tones (e.g., adding a small amount of red or blue).
3. Washed-Out Colours: Make sure to add enough dye and acid, and allow sufficient time for the dye to set.
Final Thoughts
Dharma Acid Dye blacks are versatile and rewarding when used with care. By understanding the properties of each black dye and following best practices, you can achieve stunning results. Whether you’re aiming for jet-black solids, soft grays, or unique hues, experimenting with these dyes will enhance your dyeing repertoire.
If you're still struggling to dye blacks and dark colours, I recommend watching the video on how to prepare your fibre for dyeing.
Happy dyeing!