Dyeing and Color Selection

Understanding dyeing

Dyeing is the process of coloring materials by impregnating fiber, yarn or fabric with dyestuff. Coloration in carpet can be achieved at two possible times in the manufacturing process – either by dyeing the fiber or yarn before the fabric is tufted or by dyeing the tufted fabric before the application of the secondary backing and the finishing process.

Pre-dyeing of yarn includes both solution dyeing and yarn dyeing.

• Solution dyed: Extruded synthetic yarn from a colored solution; the filament is impregnated with pigment. Known for its outstanding colorfastness.
• Yarn dyed: Yarn dyed before being manufactured into carpet. Yarn dyeing includes multicolor space dyeing and solid color yarn dyeing.
  • Space dyeing: Process whereby different colors are “printed” along the length of the yarn before it is manufactured into carpet.
  • Solid color yarn dyeing: Solid color yarn dyeing includes four different methods: skein dyeing, stock dyeing, pad dyeing and jet dyeing.

Post-dyeing of carpet methods include: beck dyeing, printing and continuous dyeing.

• Beck dyeing or piece dyeing: Carpet dyed “in a piece” in a large beck of dyestuffs and water after tufting but before other finishing processes.
• Printing: Printing involves the application of colored dyestuffs using screens, rollers or inkjets onto the face of the carpet.
• Continuous dyeing:  Continuous dyeing involves the application of dyestuffs as the carpet moves in open width form under the applicator. The process is called “continuous” because it can be used to dye an almost unlimited quantity of 12-foot wide carpets, sewn end to end. (This is most often used in residential carpet.)

The dyeabilities of nylon are most commonly referred to as acid dyeable (light, medium or deep) and cationic (basic) dyeable. Acid Dyeable Nylonis the most common and it contains positively charged sites that attract dye.

The end use of the product will determine the type of dye method. To specify dye method, performance requirements should be taken into consideration. Manufacturers can determine the most appropriate construction, dye method and backing to meet the performance requirements. For example, a specifier may be concerned about fading in a setting with large windows, so the manufacturer would recommend a solution dyed product with superior colorfastness. If the specifier wants a wide variety of bright colors, the manufacturer might recommend yarn dyeing or space dyeing.

Using color and pattern

Floor coverings are one of the dominant fashion statements for an indoor setting.  Colors and patterns in a carpet can create a distinctive atmosphere, serve a practical purpose, and send a message.

Within a facility, bright colors with contrasting highlights can differentiate department or team areas.  An accent color on the floor can establish a break between the floor and the wall or stairway, and a printed or tufted pattern carpet can reinforce a corporate identity? 

Color selection of carpet is as diverse as the imagination can provide.  Quiet colors such as neutral earth colors or the blues of sky and water are chosen for a soothing effect or a corporate look, whereas warmer colors, reds, maize, and shades of orange are used for creating a mood of energy and vitality.

Mid-range colors and multicolor blends are best for hiding soil near entrances.  Carpet is being produced to coordinate with other interior finishes such as laminates, upholstery, natural stones, wall coverings and paint, and many carpet manufacturers will produce custom colors and constructions to meet individual specifications for design coordination.

A realization in healthcare facilities that Alzheimer’s patients can remember color differentiation better than numbers (according to the Alzheimer’s Association) may be a consideration in any public facility. Color can provide an easily remembered visual link to a specific hall or wing. Brighter colors also aid in depth perception and differentiation of areas such as registration desks or main offices. Color is also a good way to differentiate a group or team area, or to differentiate between departments.

There are also practical considerations in color selection.  New stain and soil resistant technologies make today's lighter color carpet much easier to clean, allowing for more design options.  Medium and darker colors, tweeds and textures are good at hiding soil in high-traffic areas.

Also, know that the color of your carpet will look different under different lighting conditions. 

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