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Dyes and antiquing
Home » Flooring » Hearth Rugs » Dyes and antiquingSome rug-makers still use natural materials to dye rug fibers. The indigo plant produces a beautiful blue hue; madder root and dried cochineal insects are both used to produce reds of many shades; tree bark and nutshells produce a variety of tan and brown hues; and various leaves, pomegranates, and flower petals provide a broad palate of dye colors.
Over the past century of rug making, commercial dyes have gained considerable popularity. The original aniline chemical dyes, derived from coal tar, tended to speed the oxidation of rug fibers, however, resulting in premature aging and excessive wear. The King of Persia actually banned aniline dyes from the Persian rug-making process, aiming to preserve his region's rich rug-making heritage. Many chemical dyes today are far less damaging than the original aniline dyes. Experts agree, however, that naturally dyed fibers remain of greater artistic interest and value.
Natural dyes do also increase the oxidation of fibers, but at a much slower, "natural" rate than chemical dyes. This slow aging process is desirable; a gently aging carpet with evenly fading colors is highly prized, and often more valuable than a new carpet.
On the other hand, in the past half century, chemical "antique washing" of both natural and artificial fibers has become increasingly prevalent, purposefully speeding the aging process to produce softer-hued, "antiqued" rugs, so that buyers can enjoy the desirable fading and wear so often associated with expensive, antique heirloom area rugs.
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