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FIXING BY SODIUM SILICATE

Naturally dyed silk, Artist: Carol Ann Smith-Kidd
Artist: Carol Ann Smith-Kidd

Fibre Reactive Dyes.

As an alternative to steam fixing, your finished work can be easily cold fixed using Sodium Silicate. Sodium silicate comes as a thick paste, ready to use, and is a fairly friendly chemical, but do still use gloves and protect clothing.

  1. Lay dry silk flat on a piece of heavy plastic sheet.
  2. Using a large flat paintbrush ( the house painting type is perfect) brush the paste on evenly.
  3. Roll up the plastic, tucking in the ends to exclude air.
  4. Leave overnight.
  5. Next day, wash silk out thoroughly in the sink.

You will now have very little, if any, colour run off, and your colours will now be wash and light fast.
If you are working on lengths of fabric, this method is easily applied using larger plastic sheeting and hosing off on the lawn. It doesn't seem to harm the grass or your pets.