Dyeing
. Dyeing, process of coloring materials, such as textile fibers, so that the coloring matter becomes an integral part of the fiber . Dyes, or dyestuffs , are soluble compounds that can be either absorbed and retained by the fiber or chemically combined with it. Dyes are generally fast—that is, they retain their color in the fiber throughout the textile-making process and under exposure to normal wear, including sunlight, water, and detergent washing. Pigments are insoluble coloring compounds. See Textiles ; Color .