Direct Dyes

Direct dyes, also called Substantive Dye or anionic dyes, water-soluble compound that have an affinity to adhere to the fabric molecules without help from other chemicals with substantively for cellulose fibers and a class of dyestuffs that are applied directly to the substrate in a neutral or alkaline bath. Direct dyes are usually cheap and can be easily applied to cotton, linen, rayon, paper, silk, nylon, leather and wool which further yield bright colors with wash-fastness that is poor but may be improved by after-treatment. Most packaged dyes sold for home use are direct dyes.

The name ‘direct dye’ alludes to the fact that these dyes do not require any form of ‘fixing’. They are almost always azo dyes, with some similarities to acid dyes. The Colours of direct dyes are more usual than those provided by fiber and the wash fastness is poor – expect anything dyed with them to ‘bleed’ forever. The one advantage is that direct dyes may be more light fast, that is, resistant to fading in the light. They lack the dependability of the cold water fiber which most serious dyers prefer for use on cellulose fibers, but in some cases they have advantages that make their use worthwhile.