Dyeing cellulose-fibre paper with fibre-reactive dyes

Abstract

Summary In objects conservation, Japanese papers are used for a variety of treatments of two- and three-dimensional artefacts. In many applications, the paper must be unfilled so that it can be tamped into textured surfaces, and toned before use as inpainting increases treatment time and introduces pigment and binder which may complicate treatment procedures and be difficult to remove in future. Dyed repair paper meets these requirements. Fibre-reactive dyes are formulated for use on cellulosic material. Paper, textile and plant material can be dyed at room temperature to achieve good to excellent lightfastness, excellent solventfastness and neutral pH. Selection of dyes for balance and lightfastness, production and use of a three-colour chart for hue reproduction and detailed processes for dyeing paper are described.