What are the differences between natural dyes and chemical dyes?
Natural dyes and chemical dyes both perform the same function. Both types of dyes stain the fibers of the material through chemical reactions. Natural dyes are created using plants, minerals, or animal extracts to produce various colors. Natural dyes are generally not light-fast or water-fast. Over time, products made with natural dyes will fade or “mellow,” expecially when exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is impossible to create a dye which is completely impervious to radiation. Because the dyes are not completely fixed, natural dyes also tend to bleed or shift when wet, which can pose a problem, even with professional cleaning. Chemical dyes are man-made and are synthesized from chemicals. Chromium dyes are light-fast and water-fast. These dyes permit a wider range of colors and maintain uniformity from one dye batch to the next. Chromium dyes are safe to use on wool and silk and do not damage the natural fibers. The natural silk (or wool) fibers, made of
