How Long Does Everything Keep?

[kberii]

I was wondering how long everyone keeps their mixed chem and mixed mx dyes?

I know I read it somewhere, whether here or the other forum but I cant seem to find it.

I have dyes kept in the fridge for a couple months, are they worth trying?  And my other chems are the same age, do I need to toss them or should I just keep them?  I think I heard someone mention that one of the solutions evaporate and we should add water to it?
Thanks all for the help.
keri

[tiedyejudy]

I have been able to keep mixed dyes in the fridge for at least a month with no loss of color intensity.  I will tell you, however, that I stopped using urea at least a year ago.  Also, I use Superclear from Dharma, not sodium alginate, to thicken my dyes.  Those 2 differences may be part of the reason, but keeping the dyes cold is a definite help in any case.

Happy dyeing!

Judy

[kberii]

Have you noticed a difference without the urea?

[tiedyejudy]

I have not noticed a difference.  My understanding is that urea is a wetting agent that draws moisture.  If you wrap your pieces securely in plastic wrap after dyeing for the 'cure period' it should work fine without urea.   

Judy