Eco-Flo color fastness test

[Myriam]

Here I was doing some sorting and cleaning for my upcoming move and what did I find, my test pieces I layed out 5 months ago. Had totally forgotten about them!

You are in for some surprise. And before you say anything, yes, I did triple check everything when I started it, making sure to label the colors right, and same when I took the pictures and processed them.

There was a single coat of dye applied with a wool dauber, no finish.

The first ones are not too bad so here we go.

Here we start seeing some degradation.

(really nice having a black that turns light grey )

And here's the real shocker (this is where you should sit down, before looking).

These last two really threw me when I saw them, blue turned green and violet turned beige. What the heck happened... I know colors will fade over time but this dramatic of a change? Within 5 months?

[whinewine]

And here's the real shocker (this is where you should sit down, before looking).

These last two really threw me when I saw them, blue turned green and violet turned beige. What the heck happened... I know colors will fade over time but this dramatic of a change? Within 5 months?

These 2 have been removed from tandy's lineup- they were removed several months ago, precisely because of this problem. Their entire stock of these colors was sold at a greatly reduced price & people were told why (at least at my local store, anyway).

I don't know if the colors have been reformulated yet.

[CitizenKate]

Your test is more thorough than the one I started last year, but I got almost exactly the same results. I've had three samples sitting in a south-facing window, getting several hours of direct sunlight daily since last July. The first photo shows how they looked just after the application of dye and before I placed them in the window. The second shows how they look now. The colors are Cranberry, Sunshine Yellow, and Evening Blue.

As mentioned already, the issue with the blue and purple are known by Tandy. Last I heard, they were going to have new formulas for those colors out in a couple of months. That was about 6 months ago. As for the others, if they hold up this well under intense light, imagine how well they will do in average room lighting conditions. Now if they could come up with something this light-fast, AND resistant to moisture, then they'll really have something.

Kate

[freak]

Here's a complete project that was all eco flo dyes. Applied in a few coats and sealed , just like I would do using what ever dye.

The Koi fish i did. My work folder for it "finished " was dated ; Monday, September 10, 2007

Just took the picture outside and took a picture of it ; Sunday, May 11, 2008

[CitizenKate]

Looks like your koi fish is holding up very well! And thanks for allowing us to feast our eyes on it once again. What kind of lighting conditions is this piece normally exposed to where you have it displayed?

Kate

[ClayB]

These tests pieces you all are doing is really interesting. The fading that occurs with spirit dyes is why I decided to concentrate my efforts on learning to color with acrylics. But I really like the effects I can get with the eco flows on certain things like oak leaves. I find them really easy to use and blend. When I use them, i usually dilute them up to half with water and I wonder if that will make them fade even more? It will be really interesting to see what happens as time goes on. Thank to those of you that are sharing the experience you have had with them so far.

[Myriam]

whinewine & CitizenKate - Didn't know about the blue and violet having been removed. Not going to Tandy as often as I'd like (anyone wants to sponsor me ). Good thing they know about it and are working on a new formula. Let's hope they'll come up with something better. As for making them waterproof, that would be great 'cause I like these colors, but I won't be holding my breath on that.

Freak - Somehow I missed your koy fish. Great looking artwork! I see the colors haven't shifted. Where is it placed? Does it get any sunlight?

ClayB - I haven't looked into acrylics yet. I'm guessing you're diluting them so they don't cover up the grain of the leather too much, right? If so, what do you dilute them with?

[CitizenKate]

I'm not Clay, but acrylics can be diluted with water. There is also a thinning agent you can buy for acrylic, that also helps keep the pigment suspended and keeps the paint in your tray from drying out too quickly while you're working with it.

And yes, you do need to thin it, so it will absorb into the leather rather than just sitting on top of the surface. But Clay would be the best person to explain that whole process... Much of what I know about it I learned from him.

Kate

ClayB - I haven't looked into acrylics yet. I'm guessing you're diluting them so they don't cover up the grain of the leather too much, right? If so, what do you dilute them with?

[ClayB]

ClayB - I haven't looked into acrylics yet. I'm guessing you're diluting them so they don't cover up the grain of the leather too much, right? If so, what do you dilute them with?

Myriam,

The biggest draw back to acrylics is to try not to make it look like you are painting a house, getting the color without completly covering up the leather. I just dilute them with water and apply more coats until I get what I want. They make extenders (or something like that) that are supposed to dilute them, make them dry slower and blend better. I have some and have tried it a couple times, but it worked different than water. I need to play with them more to figure out how to use them. But water seems to work just fine on the pictures I do.

[Myriam]

Thanks for your replies, Kate and Clay. Guess I'll invest in a couple of acrylic colors and give them a try. Any brand you prefer?