What is Solution Dye?

‘Wait, this is an outdoor rug?’ is often the refrain we hear from customers as they encounter our Solution-Dyed indoor/outdoor rugs. These rugs have the look and feel of a dense, soft wool rug but can withstand the sun and fun of life on a patio or bring a little easy-care luxury to a living room. What’s not to love?

What is solution dye?

Yarns like wool, cotton, and many synthetics are dyed as yarns in a large vat of colored solution to achieve the desired look or color a designer dreams of. Think back to the time you accidentally spilled your coffee on your favorite shirt, and the stain never came out. The coffee color may have only stayed on the top but not soaked through to the back. Solution-dyed yarns, however, are dyed before the yarn is even produced! Polyester is made from a liquid polymer that is extruded through tiny holes to create a fine fiber called a filament. While the polyester is still in its liquid molten form, the solution is dyed before being extruded through those small holes.

Okay, but why is this so great?

#1

Dying the yarns in liquid form means that the color is not just on the surface but deeply ingrained within each fine filament. This means that yarns dyed like this will be able to withstand the damaging effects of sun, can endure being soaked through with water and repel the kind of spills you dread to imagine- like your coffee! or your best friend’s red wine!

#2

Solution dying reduces our impact on the environment. Traditional dye methods of synthetic fibers can require a significant amount of energy and produces a great deal of waste. Solution dye reduces the consumption of water, discharge of wastewater (including chemicals such as formaldehyde, arsenic and sulfur) along with a significant reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions.

#3

We think it looks pretty great! Hooked or cut pile our solution dyed indoor/outdoor rugs live up to their name. These rugs are tough enough to be outside but so soft and beautiful you wouldn’t hesitate to have them inside. Perfect for that active family room for the ease of cleaning yet dense and soft enough for bare feet in a tranquil bedroom retreat.