Precision Color Matching Dye Formulas
Go from color inspiration to application in minutes
Choose from over 2,000 dye formulas designed to match HEX color codes, digital images, and spot colors.
Use ratios from formulas to dye fiber reactive dyes on cotton & carding pre-dyed fiber.
Apply to Wool, Mohair, Alpaca, Silk, Nylon, and other protein fibers, yarns and fabrics.
To order:
Select quantity of color formulas desired
Input HEX color number(s) (see “Color Selection Process” instructions below) and weight of goods on form
Complete checkout, your formula will be calculated and emailed to you within 2 business days (see below for sample formula).
What’s included:
After purchasing a formula you will receive a PDF containing the following information:
The brand of acid dyes needed and the specific colors to match the desired color.
Brands of dyes used include Dharma, PRO Washfast Acid Dyes, Jacquard & Greener Shades.
(Substituting different dye brands can yield really close colors, even though it might not be quite as close as the recommended dyes. The formula is a big time saver and can be adjusted to your needs.)
The amount of each color to use in both dry dye powder or with dye powder mixed into a 1% solution.
The amount of water needed if you prefer to mix the color into a stock solution for direct application.
The amount of citric acid to add for a given weight of yarn/fiber to be dyed.
The weight of yarn/fiber which the formula was calculated for (ex 100g).
A HEX color swatch that matches the dyed color formula for future color reference/record keeping. (Please note that this color when printed will be close to but not an exact match due to variations in printer inks.)
A color swatch of the dye used and its percentage in the formula, for dyers that don’t want to be super precise but want to take the eyeballing approach.
Sample formula
Click to enlarge
Color selection process:
Step 1: Select a color by choosing from the following options:
Option 1: Select a HEX color from a photograph (instructions below)
Option 2: Select a Pantone®* uncoated color and locate its corresponding HEX color code (instructions below)
Step 2: Input quantity of formulas then click the “Add to Cart” button.
A form will pop where you can input your HEX# color choice(s), weight of goods to dye (optional), and submit to purchase the dye formula(s). Formulas will be delivered within 2 business days. Please note, if the weight of goods field is left blank, the formula you receive will be calculated for dyeing 100 grams of fiber
*Acid dye formulas and colors are not affiliated with or endorsed by Pantone®. These colors are used purely for color comparison purposes since the way a monitor or screen depicts colors might vary.
STEP 1: SELECTING A COLOR TO MATCH
OPTION 1: STARTING WITH A PHOTOGRAPH
Upload your image or photograph (click here).
Once uploaded, click on the photo to select a color area that you want to match.
Copy the HEX number that corresponds to your selected color.
Click here to open Pantone®’s color finder website. Make sure Pantone® book “Pantone® Formula Guide Uncoated” is selected and the color space is “HEX”. Convert the selected color’s HEX number to a Pantone® U number. Make sure you are selecting a Pantone® U color.
After finding a color number you would like to match, record the corresponding HEX color code number and continue with Step 2 below.
OPTION 2: STARTING WITH A HEX COLOR CODE
Start with a Pantone® uncoated color.
If you don’t have access to a Pantone® “Formula Guide Uncoated” book, you can search for a Pantone® uncoated color from Pantone’s® website by clicking here.
If you select a color from a different formula book, the dye formula your order may not match. Searching for a color (instead of scrolling down and clicking on one) may yield colors from different color books.
To be certain, the number should end with the letter U for uncoated (ex. 506 U).
After finding a color to match, record the corresponding HEX color code number, and continue with Step 2 below.
Note: When the color that you select to match is depicted on your monitor it will be close to the Pantone® swatch in the “Formula Guide Uncoated” book, but due to variations in monitors, the color of the formula might be slightly different on fiber. Read the FAQ to see how to obtain a sample color swatch to ensure color accuracy.
Acid dye formulas are not affiliated with or endorsed by Pantone®. Pantone® colors are strictly used for color comparison purposes since the way a monitor or screen depicts colors might vary.
STEP 2: CLICK “ADD TO CART” BUTTON BELOW TO PURCHASE COLOR FORMULA
Please note the following:
For optimal color matching results use natural white/ecru undyed yarn or fiber. Beautiful over dyed color effects can be achieved, however, using light gray and brown fibers as well! My formulas were developed using an 80/20 superwash wool/nylon yarn blend. If you’re newer to dyeing you can read about my dyeing process and some helpful suggestions to achieve the closest colors in the “Dyeing Tips & Methods” PDF.
There are many variables that might influence the outcome of your colors. The formulas were created for intermediate dyers with experience using dye studio equipment such as 1mL and 10mL syringes, mixing a 1% dye stock solution, prepping fiber or yarn for dyeing, and following dye safety procedures. Each dyer is unique in how they apply dye to fiber so the formula presented is merely an ingredient list, not a step by step recipe with detailed instructions. If you would like to read more about how I mix up my dyes, apply my dyes, and get the best results using these formulas, you can read my “Dyeing Tips & Methods” PDF.
Different lighting conditions (i.e. fluorescent lighting vs natural lighting), color differences in monitors, color differences in printers, the use of naturally colored yarn/fiber (unbleached), and fiber types different than those used during testing may influence the way the colors appear. The formulas provided are to give the dyer a very close starting point to color matching a HEX color code or Pantone® color from the Pantone® “Solid Uncoated Formula Guide” with a very high success rate when using optimal color matching materials and conditions. The formulas will work on all fibers dyeable with acid dyes. Dyers are highly encouraged to consult the printed Pantone® Uncoated Formula Guide prior to purchasing a dye formula if a more exact color match is desired. If the guide is unavailable, please read the FAQ to see how to obtain a sample color swatch to ensure color accuracy.
Due to the variable nature of dyeing conditions, minor modifications might need to be made to get the exact color you wish to match. Such variables can include but are not limited to: water used, time allotted for dye absorption, dye lots from dye manufacturers, acids used, heat application method, duration of heat application, dye auxiliaries and dye application methods. Dyers are encouraged to do a sample test swatch before dyeing large quantities to ensure accuracy of a color match.
Some formulas might require more than one brand of dye to be mixed in addition to multiple dye colors. After receiving the dye formula you can try substituting whatever brands/colors you have on hand, but know that the colors might not be as accurate as using the exact specified brands and colors. The brands most used are Dharma Acid Dyes, PRO Washfast Acid Dyes, Jacquard & Greener Shades Acid Dyes. Other brands of acid dyes such as Ashford acid dyes or food coloring can be substituted but have not been tested for their accuracy as a substitution.
Questions?
If you have questions about my dye formulas please use the contact form below and I will be happy to help you through the ordering process.