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The Art of DyesFreshly spun yarn comes in a variety of beige and light brown colors. In order to use this wool to create the vibrant and colorful patterns found on Oriental rugs, the wool must be dyed. Dyeing wool is itself an art-form; many families closely guarding the secret dye recipes that have been with them for generations. Rug dyes come in two forms, synthetic and natural. Natural dyes have been used since ancient times, and are made from vegetable or mineral sources such as madder root, saffron, pomegranate, walnuts, indigo and iron oxide to name a few. Natural dyes are high quality and long lasting, but like all dyes they will fade over time if the rugs are not properly cared for. The History of DyesSynthetic dyes are relatively new to the world of oriental rugs, and were only developed in the mid 1900's. The first synthetic dyes, aniline dyes, were made from coal tar. The colors in aniline dyed rugs were inexpensive and easy to make. They were also brightly colored and beautiful, but they faded quickly with exposure to light and water. Chrome dyes were developed later using potassium bicarbonate. These chrome dyes were easily made in a variety of colors and they are colorfast and non-corrosive to the wool, making them the dye of choice for many rug makers. The Dyeing ProcessNatural dyes are still the preferred type wherever they are easy to find, however chrome dyes are the most commonly used dyes today. Often both natural and chrome dyes are used side by side in modern day Oriental rugs. No matter which type of dye is being used the dyeing process is the same. Large vats of water are hand fired, and once the water reaches a certain temperature the dye is added. Yarn in placed into the vat, then boiled and stirred until they reach the desired color. The yarn is then removed and placed in the sun to dry. Once the yarn is bright and colorful, the weaving can begin. Profesionals Around The WorldFor over 20 years we've been working with many rug companies around the world, supplying them with rugs, equipment & repair meterials. One of them is Flat Rate Carpet, a New York local based company specialliazing in carpet & rug cleaning & repair services. They are dedicated to the traditional methods and we love seeing their results. |