Sai Chem, Ahmedabad

Napthol dyes are not ideal for home use as they contain more hazardous chemicals in than fiber reactive dyes. This is the reason they are not stocked in art and craft supplier stores. However, most artists in India, Indonesia and Australia use these dyes and are always under the threat of bladder cancer and similar diseases.

The use of the napthol dyes is very interesting. Two different chemicals are mixed in the fiber, napthol and diazo salt. The combination result in the desired color. The main advantage is that different colors can be placed on the fiber without fear of the colors mixing (bleeding). The vat dyes and the napthol dyes gain their final color by the colors that remain insoluble in the fiber while the soluble color are washed away.