What Is SolarFast Wash?
SolarFast Wash is a concentrated solution specially formulated to remove excess SolarFast dye that has not reacted during exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light.
Its role is essential within the SolarFast process, as it removes photosensitive dye remaining in non-exposed areas, improving image clarity and helping maintain the stability of the final print over time.
Although SolarFast can be used on a variety of surfaces, SolarFast Wash is particularly recommended when printing on natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk and canvas.
Why Is SolarFast Wash Important?
After exposure, part of the SolarFast dye remains active in areas that have not received sufficient light. If these residues are not removed correctly, they may lead to staining, reduced contrast or colour shifts over time.
Washing with SolarFast Wash helps eliminate these residues, producing cleaner highlights, sharper images and better long-term preservation.
For this reason, Jacquard recommends SolarFast Wash as a standard part of the SolarFast printing process, regardless of the colour being used.
Compatible with Solar Printing and Textile Printing
SolarFast Wash has been developed specifically for use with the complete SolarFast range from Jacquard.
It is compatible with:
It can be used on fabric, paper and other porous surfaces compatible with the SolarFast system.
Especially Recommended for Textile Printing
Although SolarFast Wash can be used on many different surfaces, its use is particularly important in textile printing applications.
Proper washing helps remove unreacted dye trapped between fabric fibres, improving wash resistance and helping maintain image stability over time.
For this reason, it is commonly used for projects involving:
Available Sizes
SolarFast Wash is available in two sizes:
118 ml (4 oz)
Ideal for occasional users, testing, workshops and small SolarFast projects.
236 ml (8 oz)
Recommended for frequent users, schools, workshops, textile artists and larger production runs.
Both sizes contain the same formulation. The choice depends solely on the volume of work and the number of prints produced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SolarFast Wash Required?
Although it is possible to perform a conventional wash, Jacquard recommends SolarFast Wash because it removes unreacted SolarFast dye more effectively and helps achieve cleaner, more stable results.
Can I Use It with All SolarFast Colours?
Yes. SolarFast Wash is fully compatible with the entire SolarFast colour range.
Can It Be Used on Paper or Fabric?
It can be used on both. However, it is particularly important for textile applications where maximum wash resistance and image permanence are desired.
When Should SolarFast Wash Be Used?
After exposure, once the printing process has been completed, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
Can It Be Used for Cyanotype or Van Dyke?
No. SolarFast Wash has been developed specifically for the SolarFast system and does not replace the washing procedures used in processes such as cyanotype, Van Dyke Brown or salt printing.
These photographic processes use different chemistries and require their own washing and processing methods.
