Procion MX Fuchsia

By Leigh

This post is a continuation of Jewel Colors From Printers' Primaries.

Here is what I've learned about Procion MX Fuchsia so far. I'll add to this post as I collect more information. I'd also love to hear your experiences with this dye.

Fuchsia, along with turquoise, yellow, and black, is one of the recommended basic starter colors for color mixing. It substitutes for magenta in the printers' primaries. In fact it is preferred to red dye as it makes brighter colors in mixtures.

There are two Procion MX fuchsias to choose from: Red MX-5B (also known as "light, mixing, or clear red") and Red MX-8B (also referred to as "fuchsia.") Which one is preferred is an individual choice among dyers. According to Paula Burch's "What do MX codes really mean?", the "B" in the code signifies blau (German for blue.) The numbers indicate the strength of that color. So Red MX-8B has more blue in in than Red MX-5B. However, she goes on to say that these two fuchsias have completely different chemical compositions, with very different properties. Consequently, they won't yield the same results in a dye recipe.

Fuchsia is very dense as a dye powder. Consequently a little goes a long way and amounts used in mixtures are usually decreased (some recommend by as much as half).

It is also the fastest reacting of all the PMX dyes, especially MX-8B. The problem with this is that it can "grab" the fiber before it has a chance to migrate evenly across the fiber surface. This can result in a spotty appearance of the dyed goods.

Another problem with MX-8B, is that not all batches of the dye powder are equal; some batches do not dissolve as well as others. This can also contribute to a spotty effect in the dyed goods. In fact, if MX-8B is used in premixed dye colors, it can still cause spots. For these reasons, Paula Burch at least, recommends the Red MX-5B. It is a little slower reacting and more consistent in quality. She also recommends avoiding mixtures that contain MX-8B. Dharma Trading Co., on the other hand, recommends filtering dye solutions with a coffee filter or old pantyhose.

Fuchsia as a color reflects both red as well as blue light rays. For this reason it creates the brightest purples.

Mixing Basics:
Fuchsia + a little Yellow = Red
Turquoise + Fuchsia = Purple
Turquoise + a little Fuchsia = Blue

Bibliography:
All About Hand Dyeing
Creating Color: A Dyers Handbook by Judy Anne Walter
The Dye Forum Archives
The DyersLIST Archives

Posted 18 July 2008 at http://leighsfiberjournal.blogspot.com

Related Posts:
Jewel Colors From Printers' Primaries
Procion MX Turquoise