The colorist must be able to combine an artistic sensibility with a thorough knowledge of the chemistry of the dyes, the choice of which is determined by the nature and quality of the fabrics to be printed. The composition of the colors must meet the customer’s demands by respecting the colors of the sketch or by suggesting other variants.
The colorist prepares composite ranges for each series of dyes. Samples are produced for each color. Each one is then meticulously classified in a formula book which compiles them according to the quality of the fabric, from the purest color to the most blended. This is done with the help of shade books developed according to the nature of the material to be printed.
The colorist notes the composition of the colors on a remittance slip for the cutter, who prepares the dosages which are then precisely mixed by the bowl-brewer.
The base colors are dissolved in pure water or with the addition of chemicals. They are blended together with thickeners (gum arabic or starch) in very precise proportions as indicated by the colorist to obtain the printing pastes.
The prepared bowls are then moved to the printing table.