Running shade is more specifically meter to meter variation of shade in fabric

What is running shade?

Running shade is more specifically meter to meter variation of shade in fabric. So, basically when dyes cannot migrate properly in the whole fabric thus exhaustion of dyes in fabric becomes uneven which leads to running shade or uneven dyeing.

If running shade occurs, definitely there needs re-process which causes some severe problems. Running shade also hampers production time, reduce efficiency and production output which directly converted into money.

Shrinkage problem

GSM problem

Poor fabric strength and fabric quality

Importantly fabric surface become hairier

Not meeting the lead time

Extra chemical and process cost etc.

Figure 2: Standard procedure to dye evenly in knit dyeing.

Causes and remedies of running shade

So, there are some important causes which lead to running shade which is given below-

Lack of proper combination of dyes

Not maintaining exact dyeing process

Lack of proper amount of salt and alkali dosing

Lack of quality products and proper products in the bath

Lack of proper alkali dosing

Lack of proper pretreatment

Not selecting good leveling agent

Lack of awareness for water quality

Not maintaining proper machine and material operation by the operator Lack of proper after treatment

Possible remedies of running shade are given below-

First of all, the combination of dyes meaning the exhaustion and fixation curve of the dyes must be more or less similar. If there is a significant difference, it will create running shade.

Dyeing process: Standard dyeing process should be maintained that means dosing of chemicals and dyes should be of sequence wise and maintain required temperature and pH for the specific chemical and dyes.

The proper amount of salt and alkali needed in the liquor because if there is excess salt in the liquor then fiber affinity will be increased thus migration of dyes will be less which leads running shade.

Select quality product and proper product for a specific purpose.

Properly alkali dosing is important because when pH > 9.9 then dyes will not migrate only fixation will occur.

Proper pre-treatment is badly needed to make sure fabric and liquor is free from impurities, so, a good wash is mandatory. (For better result, one may use- Persoclean STN)

Good leveling agent should be used. On the other way, dyes will be precipitated because when there is the hardness in the water, metal gets complex bond with dyes thus improper dyes distribution in the liquor causes running shade.

Ensure good water quality (standard less than 40ppm). If it is 40 or less than 40 then use sequestering agent and if it is <= 10ppm, sequestering agent will not be required.

The operator should be aware of machine and material operation which means sequence of dosing amount of dosing and machine RPM.

Lastly, proper after treatment is essential. When using softener, proper PH and softener size is must and when there is excessive unfixed dyes on the surface of fabric use proper soap to remove it perfectly