barvení

Barvení is the process of imparting color to materials such as textiles, pigments, inks, or natural materials using dyes or pigments. The term originates from the Czech verb "barvit," meaning to color, and refers to both traditional fabric dyeing and modern industrial coloring processes. Historically, barvení began with natural dyes extracted from plants, minerals, and animal products, dating back to prehistoric times and becoming highly sophisticated in ancient Egypt, China, and the Mediterranean. Techniques such as mordanting, which binds dye to fibers, and vat dyeing, which uses reducing agents, developed in medieval Europe and were widely used until the arrival of synthetic dyes in the 19th century.

Modern barvení relies heavily on synthetic organic dyes produced from petrochemicals, as well as inorganic pigments and inks. Common methods include dyeing by immersion, padding, and spraying for textiles, and inkjet or offset printing for paper products. In industrial contexts, controlling colorfastness, hue shade, and environmental impact is essential. Environmental concerns include the disposal of dye effluents, which can be toxic, and the push toward eco‑friendly dyes, biodegradable pigments, and waterless technologies. Regulations in many countries restrict the use of hazardous dyes and mandate treatment of wastewater.

Barvení intersects with fields such as textile engineering, chemistry, environmental science, and art, and it remains a vital component in fashion, packaging, and decorative arts.