Help with Silk Dyes

[Shari]

I have been silk painting for a few years now and I have been happy with the Jacquard Red Label dyes, but I am ready to invest in a better quality dye. I cannot decide between Sennelier Tinfix and Dupont dyes. The duponts are extremely expensive (as are the Tinfix) and I don't know if it's worth the extra money. Can you help me by telling me what is better about the French dyes and why they might be worth the extra money. I also understand that the French dyes need longer steaming, is that true?

[DrDebby]

Welcome Shari, to Fiber Art Forum. I'm not the one with the answers on this. Our expert is Sigrun (screen name Aral). She isn't here everyday. Hopefully she'll be stopping by soon and can answer your question.

[Aral]

Thank you Debby.

Hi Shari
I can not answer all your questions as I only have used Dupont as my main dyes since 1995. Dupont and Sennilier are one of the oldest silk dye manufacturer in Europe over 100 years old. They both produce highest quality silk dye.
What I liked with Dupont was that I could controll if my dyes would be the usual sharp dye as it is in the bottle or change them to pastel if I wanted by simply changing the diluted formula. Secondly I use high quality silks and need high quality dye.
I can not answer your question regarding steaming time as I always take extra care in steaming by steaming my silks longer. Fo me there are no cutting corners if I am producing high quality art by silk.

Best regards