Procion MX dyes are “cold water dyes” that are fixed chemically instead of with heat. This unique property sets Procion MX apart from all other dyes and establishes them as the undisputed king of backyard dyeing, batik and tie dye.
Because Procion MX dyes can be used away from the stovetop, they are also the ideal colors for shibori, ice dyeing, tub and low water immersion dyeing, printing, direct painting and other “alternative” dye applications. As a fiber-reactive dye, Procion MX forms a strong covalent bond with cellulosic fibers, making it the most permanent and washfast of all dyestuffs. Mix the concentrated dye powder with tap water to create the most vibrant colors possible for cotton, linen and other plant-based fabrics (may also be used with protein fibers if acidified).
Procion MX dyes are typically used with a soda ash fixative, which can be added directly to the dye bath or used to pretreat the fabric as in tie dyeing and other “batch setting” techniques.
🔷 What Do They Do — and Why Are They Different?
Procion MX dyes create a strong molecular bond with the fibers of the fabric.
The color becomes part of the fiber itself, not a surface coating, resulting in:
- excellent washfastness
- long-term color stability
- minimal fading over time
Unlike dyes that require heat to set, Procion MX dyes fix chemically, without boiling. This makes them ideal for:
- delicate techniques
- dyeing outside the kitchen
- precise control without thermal stress on the fabric
To activate the dye correctly, you need:
- Soda Ash (sodium carbonate) → activates the chemical reaction
- Salt (in many techniques) → helps the dye penetrate deeper into the fiber
🔷 Suitable Fabrics
✔️ Ideal Fabrics (Cellulosic Fibers)
Procion MX dyes are among the best choices for:
- cotton
- linen
- canvas
- burlap
- rayon / viscose
- paper
⚠️ Protein Fibers (Silk, Wool)
Procion MX dyes can be used on protein fibers, but with a different activation method.
- On cellulosic fibers, the dye is activated in an alkaline environment using soda ash.
- On protein fibers, the dye is used in an acidic environment, with citric acid or vinegar instead of soda ash.
This change affects only the activator, not the dye itself — Procion MX remains fiber-reactive.
🔸 Note: On animal fibers, colors are usually softer and less intense than on plant fibers. For this reason, Procion MX dyes are not the primary recommended choice for silk or wool, but they can be used by experienced users who understand the process.
❌ Unsuitable Fabrics
- synthetic fibers (polyester, acrylic, polyamide / nylon)
- materials without natural absorbent fibers
➡️ On these materials, the dye does not bond properly and results are not permanent.
🔷 How Much Dye Do I Need?
One jar (18.71 g) dyes approximately 500 g of dry fabric.
- Use more dye for deeper, more intense colors
- Use less dye for pastel shades
- Black requires double the amount
🔷 Cold Water Dyeing with Procion MX
Unlike most dyes, Procion MX dyes fix chemically rather than with heat. This unique property allows them to be used in a wide range of modern techniques, from batik to tie-dye.
All you need is a dye activator — Soda Ash (and salt, depending on the technique).
The process, in simple terms:
When the dye penetrates the fabric fiber in the presence of soda ash (and salt where required), a permanent molecular bond is formed. This is what gives Procion MX dyes their exceptional washfastness.
🔷 Can I Dye Synthetic Fabrics?
No. Procion MX dyes are not suitable for:
- synthetic fibers (polyester, acrylic, polyamide / nylon)
- non-absorbent materials
🔷 Can I Dye Animal Fibers (Silk, Wool)?
Procion MX dyes are primarily designed and recommended for cellulosic fibers, where they produce the strongest, most predictable results.
However, they can be used on protein fibers such as silk and wool by switching the activation method:
- Cellulosic fibers → alkaline activation with soda ash
- Protein fibers → acidic activation with citric acid or vinegar
The dye itself does not change — only the activation environment.
🔷 Dyeing Techniques
Thanks to their cold-water activation and versatility, Procion MX dyes are used in a wide range of techniques:
- Tie-Dye – bold, vibrant results
- Immersion Dyeing – even, solid color
- Batik – wax resist techniques
- Screen Printing – using a thickener (e.g. Manutex)
- Direct Application / Fabric Painting – brush, sponge or squeeze bottle
- Ice Dyeing – slow melting creates organic, unpredictable patterns
🔷 Where Can I Learn More?
- Usage Instructions
- Color Wheel & Mixing Charts
- Color Mixing Guides
🔷 MORE INFORMATION?
See the resources below for instructions, color mixing guides and other:
▪ Instructions
▪ Color Wheel Mixing Chart
▪ Color Formula Guide
⚠️ Safety Information
Use with care. Always read labels, instructions and warnings before use.
- May cause allergic skin reactions
- Causes eye irritation — wear protective eyewear
- Keep out of reach of children
- Avoid release into the environment
- Dispose of contents/container according to local regulations
