Dye

A dye can generally be described as a coloured substance that has an affinity to the substrate to which it is being applied. The dye is usually used as an aqueous solution, and may require a mordant to improve the fastness of the dye on the fibre. In contrast, a pigment generally has no affinity for the substrate, and is insoluble.

Other

A number of other classes have also been established, including:

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• Oxidation bases, for mainly hair and fur
• Sulfur dyes, for textile fibres
• Leather dyes, for leather
• Fluorescent brighteners, for textile fibres and paper
• Solvent dyes, for wood staining and producing coloured lacquers, solvent inks, colouring oils, waxes.