Teinture

Teinture, in English usage often rendered as dyeing, is the process of imparting color to a substrate by absorption or adsorption of dye from a solution or dispersion. The term originates from the French teinture and is used especially in relation to textiles, though dyeing methods extend to leather, paper, wood, and certain cosmetic applications. Dyes are substances that bind to a substrate; many dyeing processes employ mordants or other auxiliaries to improve color fastness and adhesion.

Dyeing materials are categorized by fiber type and dye chemistry. Natural dyes are derived from plants, insects, or minerals, and historically required mordants. Synthetic dyes, developed from the 19th century onward, offer a broader range of colors and more predictable results. Major dye classes include reactive dyes for cellulose fibers (cotton, viscose), acidic dyes for protein fibers (wool, silk), disperse dyes for synthetic fibers (polyester), and vat or sulfur dyes for particular performance characteristics. Leather is typically dyed with aniline or pigmented dyes and specialized finishing steps.

The dyeing process involves several stages: preparation and cleaning of the substrate, treatment with mordants or pretreatments as needed, immersion in or padding with the dye bath under controlled temperature and pH, fixation or binding of the dye, and thorough washing and finishing to remove unfixed dye. Substrate-specific methods include yarn dyeing (dying fibers before weaving), piece dyeing (dyeing cut fabrics), and garment dyeing (dyeing finished garments). Surface staining or immersion can also be used for wood or leather.

Environmental and economic factors influence modern teinture, with emphasis on wastewater treatment, dye fixation efficiency, and sustainable practices to reduce pollution and resource use.