Acid Dyes

Acid dyes are water-soluble anionic dyes that are applied to fibers such as silk, wool, nylon and modified acrylic fibers from neutral to acid dye baths. Attachment to the fiber is attributed, at least partly, to salt formation between anionic groups in the dyes and cationic groups in the fiber. Water-soluble Acid dyes are not substantive to cellulosic fibers.

Acid dyes are used both commercially and by the studio dyer to dye protein/animal fibers such as wool, silk, mohair, angora, alpaca and some nylons and synthetics. Acid dyes require the use of an acid such as vinegar, acetic or sulphuric acid to set the color.