Your Guide to Dye Types and Reliable Suppliers from China

Know the dyes types and find suppliers from China

Based on custom datas

Table of contents

1.What Is a Dye?

A dye is a colored substance that chemically bonds to the material it is applied to. Unlike pigments, which are typically insoluble particles, dyes are usually soluble in water or other solvents and form molecular interactions with the substrate. This allows them to provide long-lasting, uniform coloration on a wide range of materials.

2.Types of Dyes

Dyes can be classified based on their chemical structure, solubility, and application method. Some common categories include:

2.1 Acid Dyes

Acid Dyes are a type of water-soluble anionic dye that bond with fibers in acidic environments. They are commonly used to dye protein-based fibers (such as wool and silk) and synthetic fibers (such as nylon).

  • Highly water-soluble: Easily disperse in the dye bath and penetrate fiber interiors.

  • Strong affinity: Form ionic or hydrogen bonds with fibers containing cationic groups (e.g., amino groups).

  • Mild dyeing conditions: Typically used under weakly acidic conditions (pH 4.5–6).

  • Vibrant colors: Produce bright and vivid shades.

  • Suitable for wet-finishing treatments: Such as shrink resistance and softening processes.

In acidic dye baths, acid dyes exist as anions, which are attracted to and bond with the positively charged amino groups (–NH₃⁺) in the fibers through electrostatic interactions, completing the dyeing process.

  • Dyeing high-end textiles (e.g., wool coats, silk scarves)

  • Carpets and tapestries

  • Nylon products (e.g., sportswear, swimwear)

  • Occasionally used in cosmetics (e.g., water-soluble colorants)

Acid dye supplier:Tianjin XiangRui Dyestuff Co., Ltd.

Tianjin XiangRui Dyestuff Co., Ltd., established in 1998, is a leading dye manufacturer based in North China. Specializing in Direct, Acid, and Basic Dyes, the company boasts an annual production capacity of 18,000 tons. Its products are widely utilized across various industries, including textiles, leather, paper, plastics, agriculture, and coatings. With a strong emphasis on quality, research and development, and customer service, XiangRui has expanded its market presence to over 30 countries worldwide.

2.2 Basic dyes

Basic Dyes, also known as Cationic Dyes, are a type of positively charged water-soluble dyes. They are referred to as “cationic dyes” because their molecules can form cations (positive ions) in solution.

  • Positively charged: They ionize in aqueous solution to form cations, which can bond with negatively charged fiber groups.

  • Bright and vivid colors: They exhibit high coloring strength and strong color expression.

  • Strong affinity but poor fastness: They color quickly but typically have poor light and wash fastness (though modern products have improved).

  • Mild dyeing conditions: Dyeing can occur at room to moderate temperatures, with dye bath pH usually neutral or slightly alkaline.

Because Basic Dyes carry a positive charge, they can bond firmly to synthetic or treated fibers containing negatively charged groups (like —COO⁻ carboxyl groups) through electrostatic attraction.

  • Acrylic yarns, blankets, gloves, scarves

  • Leather dyeing

  • Colored inks (for inkjet printing and writing)

  • Hair dyes, cosmetic pigments

  • Industrial dye solutions (e.g., fluorescent dyes)

Basic dye supplier:Tianjin Sunrise Import & Export Co., Ltd

Tianjin Sunrise Import & Export Co., Ltd. is a prominent Chinese manufacturer and exporter of high-quality dyes and pigments. Specializing in sulphur dyes for denim, liquid dyes for paper, and direct, acid, and basic dyes for textiles and leather, the company is committed to strict quality standards and sustainability. With a global presence, Sunrise serves clients across multiple industries, offering tailored solutions and comprehensive customer support

2.3 Reactive Dyes

Reactive Dyes are a class of dyes that can form covalent bonds with functional groups in fibers, resulting in a strong and durable attachment of color to the fiber. These dyes exhibit excellent wash and light fastness.

  • Covalent Bonding: React chemically with fibers (especially cellulose fibers like cotton) to form stable covalent bonds

  • Bright and Vivid Colors: Available in a wide range of vibrant, long-lasting hues

  • Excellent Wash Fastness: Resistant to fading after washing, ideal for high-quality textiles

  • Good Water Solubility: Mostly available as water-soluble powders or liquids

  • pH and Temperature Control Required: Dyeing typically occurs under alkaline conditions

  • Reactive dye molecules contain reactive groups (e.g., chlorotriazine, vinyl sulfone)

  • Under alkaline conditions, these groups undergo nucleophilic substitution reactions with —OH (hydroxyl) or —NH₂ (amino) groups on fibers

  • Stable covalent bonds are formed, making the dye an integral part of the fiber structure

  • Premium cotton garments (T-shirts, shirts, jeans, etc.)

  • Home textiles (bedsheets, towels, curtains)

  • Reactive printing (digital, screen printing)

  • Children’s wear, sportswear, and other products requiring high colorfastness

  • Monochlorotriazine

  • Dichlorotriazine

  • Vinyl sulfone

  • Triazine-vinyl sulfone hybrids

Reactive dye supplier:Yuanli Chemical Group Co., Ltd.,

Yuanli Chemical Group Co., Ltd., established in February 2003, is a private joint-stock enterprise listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Specializing in high-end fine chemicals, bio-based products, and new materials, the company operates four production bases across China and maintains subsidiaries in Europe. With a strong emphasis on R&D and innovation, Yuanli holds 97 patents and exports its products to over 60 countries, serving diverse industries such as transportation, healthcare, electronics, and new energy.

2.4 Direct Dyes

Direct Dyes are a class of water-soluble dyes that can dye fibers directly without the use of a mordant. They are mainly suitable for cellulose fibers such as cotton, linen, and viscose.

  • No Mordant Required: Simple dyeing process; dyes bind directly to fibers

  • Highly Water-Soluble: Easily dissolves in water and penetrates fibers

  • Bright Colors: Most have good color intensity

  • Moderate Fastness: Generally lower wash and light fastness compared to reactive dyes

  • Low Cost: Widely used for dyeing mid- to low-end textiles

Direct dye molecules are typically linear and contain multiple sulfonic acid groups (–SO₃⁻), which are negatively charged.
During dyeing, the dyes adhere to the fiber surface via physical adsorption forces such as van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and dipole interactions.

Since no chemical bonds are formed, color fastness depends on intermolecular forces, making the dyes partially washable.

  • Cotton fabric printing and dyeing (home textiles, shirts, bed linens)

  • Shade card sampling and educational dye experiments

  • Paper industry (colored paper)

  • Surface dyeing of leather and wood products

  • Certain formulations in hair dye products (with controlled composition)

Direct dye supplier:​Alan Chemical Industries LTD

​Alan Chemical Industries LTD is a professional manufacturer and exporter specializing in dyestuffs and various auxiliaries for the paper, food, textile, and plastic industries. With over a decade of experience, the company serves markets across South Asia, Europe, and the Americas. To better cater to its South Asian clientele, AlanChem established a branch in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in 2016

2.5 Vat Dyes

Vat Dyes are a class of water-insoluble dyes that must be chemically reduced into a soluble leuco form during the dyeing process. This soluble form penetrates the fibers and is then oxidized back to its original insoluble form, becoming fixed inside the fiber. As a result, these dyes offer excellent wash and light fastness.

  • Require reduction dyeing: Dyes are reduced to a soluble form before dyeing and oxidized back to develop the color afterward.

  • Insoluble in water: In their original form, vat dyes are not water-soluble and must be reduced with agents like sodium hydrosulfite.

  • Exceptional fastness: Outstanding resistance to washing, perspiration, light, and rubbing.

  • Deep, subdued shades: Commonly found in dark tones such as blue, green, and brown.

  • Relatively complex dyeing process: Requires strict control of reduction and oxidation conditions.

  • Original vat dye is insoluble in water

  • Under alkaline conditions, a reducing agent (e.g., sodium hydrosulfite) converts it into soluble leuco form

  • The leuco dye penetrates deeply into the fiber

  • Upon exposure to air, it oxidizes back to the insoluble form and becomes firmly fixed inside the fiber

  • Denim (Indigo is the most iconic vat dye)

  • Premium cotton fabrics (e.g., for uniforms and professional attire)

  • High fastness home textiles

  • Industrial textiles, tent fabrics, and other performance-oriented fabric

  • The dyeing process can have environmental challenges—some traditional vat dye methods involve heavy metals or generate wastewater.

  • Modern trends are moving towards pre-reduced vat dyes or processes with lower environmental impact.

Vat dye supplier:​​WUXIN GROUP

​WUXIN GROUP is a professional enterprise involved in manufacturing and marketing high-quality dyes and pigments for a wide range of customers both domestically and internationally. Established in 1989, the company has become well-known in the denim industry, previously recognized as Anping County Wuxin Chemical Dyes Co., Ltd.

2.6 Disperse Dyes

Disperse Dyes  are a type of non-ionic dyes that are insoluble in water, mainly used for dyeing hydrophobic synthetic fibers such as polyester and acetate fibers. They must be dispersed into fine suspended particles in water with the help of dispersing agents to carry out dyeing.

  • Insoluble in water: But can be finely dispersed with dispersing agents

  • Require high-temperature dyeing: Typically use high-temperature/high-pressure or carrier methods to enable dye penetration

  • Excellent wash and rub fastness

  • Full color range with bright shades

  • Some types have poor lightfastness, but this can be improved through modification

  1. Disperse dyes are dispersed into fine particles by dispersing agents

  2. Under high temperature or with carrier assistance, these particles penetrate the amorphous regions of synthetic fibers

  3. Upon cooling, the dyes become “trapped” within the fibers, achieving coloration

  4. Being non-ionic, dyes bond mainly through hydrophobic interactions and Van der Waals forces

  • Polyester garments (e.g., sportswear, underwear, swimwear)

  • Digital printing (Disperse Inkjet Dyes)

  • Dyeing of polyester fabrics

  • Automotive textiles, home furnishings

  • Sunshades, tents, industrial fabrics

  • Some older disperse dyes may contain azo structures or sensitizing impurities (e.g., Disperse Blue 1), which are banned in many countries

  • The dyeing process requires control of heating rate, pH, and dispersion stability to avoid dye spots or crystallization

Disperse dye supplier:​​Hangzhou Weiyi Chemical Co., Ltd

Hangzhou Weiyi Chemical Co., Ltd, founded in 1992 and based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, specializes in dyes, pigments, intermediates, and textile auxiliaries. Formerly known as Hangzhou Xinsheng Chemical, the company focuses on producing high-quality, eco-friendly chemical products and maintains long-term partnerships through reliable service and competitive pricing.

2.7 Azo Dyes

  • Azo Bond (-N=N-): The core structure of azo dyes, usually linking two aromatic rings.

  •  Wide Color Range: Especially reds, oranges, and yellows.

  •  Synthetically Produced: Created through a process called azo coupling, which involves a diazonium salt reacting with a coupling component.

  •  Cost-Effective: Relatively easy and economical to manufacture.

  • Variable Fastness: Some azo dyes offer good wash and light fastness, while others may be less stable unless modified.

  • Azo Bond (-N=N-): The core structure of azo dyes, usually linking two aromatic rings.

  • Wide Color Range: Especially reds, oranges, and yellows.

  • Synthetically Produced: Created through a process called azo coupling, which involves a diazonium salt reacting with a coupling component.

  • Cost-Effective: Relatively easy and economical to manufacture.

  • Variable Fastness: Some azo dyes offer good wash and light fastness, while others may be less stable unless modified.

  • The dye reacts chemically with the hydroxyl groups (-OH) of the fiber in an alkaline environment.

  • A covalent bond is formed between the dye and the fiber, making the dye very wash-fast.

  • Textile Industry – Cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic fibers.

  • Leather and Paper Coloring

  • Plastics and Paints

  • Food & Cosmetics – Some are used as colorants (e.g., tartrazine), although strictly regulated due to potential health concerns.

Some azo dyes can break down to release aromatic amines, which may be toxic or carcinogenic. Therefore, many countries (especially in the EU) have restricted or banned certain azo dyes in consumer products.

Azo dye supplier:​​​He Dye Chem Co., Ltd.,

​He Dye Chem Co., Ltd., operating under the brand HEDAI, is a reputable Chinese manufacturer and supplier of high-quality dyes and dye intermediates. Established in 2008, the company specializes in providing a wide range of dye products for various applications, including textiles, leather, paper, plastics, inks, and furniture materials

3.Compared to dyes, pigments have the following advantages:

  1. Superior Light and Weather Resistance Pigments generally offer much better lightfastness and weather resistance than dyes, making them ideal for outdoor applications or products exposed to sunlight.
  2. Wider Substrate Compatibility Pigments can be used on a variety of surfaces including plastics, metals, ceramics, and coatings, whereas dyes typically require specific fiber or material compatibility.
  3. Color Stability and Non-Migratory Properties Pigments are insoluble and tend to stay in place, preventing bleeding or migration, which is common with dyes in wet or humid conditions. This leads to more stable and durable coloration.

Tips

  1. If you can not find suitable dyes supplier, contact with us
  2. If the all above dyes type can not meet your requirement, you can try our nanopigment paste.
  3.  If you need any suggestions from us, just inform us.

About Author and Factory

Export Manager of Bales Coatings

3 years for a chemical engineer in a paint factory since 1997

20 years for export business, Help cleints to find best suppliers

Bales Coatings Co., Ltd

Set up coating factory at 2012

We can offer you both water and solvent pigment paste.

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