Guidance & Information Notes

Please read as they include terms & conditions of ccceptance

You can have your order re-dyed the same shade or a new colour of your choice. Most of the chart colours illustrated can be adjusted lighter on request (but for technical reasons, not always darker) and the shade altered, so that for example a green can have a more yellow or blue tone. However if none of our colours are suitable we can create a formula for you from off your own colour sample.

All the dyes and ancillary chemicals we use are ecologically safe and do not pollute the environment.

Except for silk wedding & evening dresses and multiple item orders, it is usually not cost effective and safe to dye most modern garments, especially if labelled 'dry clean only', though we will gladly offer our opinion and advice if requested. Generally, for suitable single items and quantities less than 4kg (9¾ lbs) we recommend you try dyeing them in a domestic washing machine. Contact Dylon on 01737 742 000 or Abigail Crafts on 01453 823 691 who can offer advice and supply excellent dyes for domestic use. However, most domestic washing machines are too small to safely accomdate sets of suite covers & large curtains, risking a patchy/streaky result. Attempting to dye these items in smaller batches invariably result in shade variation. We can sometimes remedy the results of such situations.

Because of Consumer Legislation we are required to inform you of all the principle adverse effects & reactions that may or can occur with this type of processing, (no matter how remote or unlikely some might be) and unless we have test-dyed an exact sample or replica of the order first, any of the reactions listed below can occur at random, although statistically they usually affect only a very small percentage of all the varied types of orders we process.

These abridged* principle effects are: Items labelled “dry clean only” can have a slightly higher risk of seam/fabric splitting and unrecoverable shrinkage, particularily with silk, (though shrinkage can occasionally occur on other low-temp. washable items and heat-set creasing can occur on some types of silk). Seams without over-locking/chain stitching have a slightly higher risk of fraying and material break-down from light damage & wear/tear. Apparently sound zips/zip pullers can fail in processing from usage stress. (Replacement service available). Most curtains shrink to some degree and age/light-weakened edges, stitching, linings and seams can split. Some stains, dyes & a previous dyers' finish or treatment might not always colour-reduce (strip) and for technical reasons, a special finish/treatment or the original dye can alter a new colour, prevent a deep shade taking up, (i.e. mainly on silk & thin cottons) and occasionally an original uneven application of dye fixer, flame retardant or other special finish might cause colour patchiness, streaks or prevent dye taking under tightly-stitched piping. Depending on the amount/severity of fade, even with pre-stripping an order might still show a degree of colour inbalance after the dyeing process. All orders are accepted on the understanding that because our processing & dye vat occupancy-time/processing expenses are the same whatever the order’s result, we regret we cannot part or fully refund our processing charges or accept any financial liability for the order’s subsequent condition, its original value or a consequential loss.

* To obtain an unabridged copy of the 1979 Domestic Dyeing Industry’s Terms & Conditions of Acceptance (amended 1991), send a 2nd class stamped 23cm x 16 ½cm SAE to Dept. D. C. O. A. at our address under "Contact Us".

1. You can choose a shade from our colour chart or we can formulate your own colour. If it's your own colour either provide us with a pantone number (old paint version, four digits ending in C or U) or send an approx. credit card size cloth sample or piece of card for the shade you require. (See no.7) If your order is not already white or cream, if possible include a small sample of it so we can adjust the new formula to allow for the original colour. (Although not essential, a new shade can be more difficult to achieve on an original colour without a scan, as for technical & safety reasons it might not improve even with additional processing). We do not require a sample for orders being dyed approx. the original colour or a little darker. On badly faded items or where the original shade does not strip-discharge/level, black is the best default colour to try. All formulas, (scanned & chart) are essentially ‘predictive’ which means the colour should take as formulated (assuming all things being even) but because an original dye and/or it’s (unknown) fabric treatment might not discharge or absorb each colour element in a formula evenly, in a small percentage of orders these effects can unpredictably affect the depth/shade (and even change a colour entirely, most often with silk). Orders in the same fabric but in two or more shades for the same colour, cannot usually be matched.
2. WE ONLY DYE: Cotton, linen, canvas, flax, silk, one type of nylon (polyamide), lycocel, viscose, viscose- rayon, or a mix with no more than 3% elastine/spandex, or mixtures of these fibres. NOTE. 100% and even lower percentages of viscose and acetate are inclined to shrink, crease/crack and can flake on seams, even if chain stitched/over-locked. We no longer dye wool and fine hair fibres, i.e. angora, cashmere, mohair, camel hair, pashmina or blends of these fibres. NOTE. We do not accept any responsibility for unsatisafctory results because of self-snagging/friction damage, uneveness of dye and set heat creasing from Velcro strips unavoidably self-sticking to parts of an order during processing. Therefore we strongly advise a customer (or Harry Berger) secure protective fabric over the velcro strips*1. Though we make every effort to determine an unlabelled order's fibre & thread content it is a customers' responsibility to identify such materials as once received, we have to otherwise assume them suitable & safe. Some apparently all-cotton fabrics and colour patterning may contain fibres that might not dye to a full shade (like polyester that won’t dye at all). Where extended/additional processing may be necessary and materials can be unknowingly and inherently weak from wear, stress or a softening/weakening chemical treatment, in some instances it might cause seam splitting, fabric loss or unanticipated shrinkage.    
3. Fibres & trims, etc, that are unsafe or do not dye are: Polyester, some types of nylon (polyamide) acrylic* (dralon)* & modacrylic*, tencel, rame, polyurethane, polysonic, fashion-weight tri-acetate, acetate & viscose (except as a lining but it can shrink/break-up/split on seams), modal, metal fibres & metal trim, all types of leather, (inc. suede, sheepskin & fur), plastics, buttons, buckles, sequins, feathers, 'pearl' lacquer-coated beads & droplets and stitched in bone/plastic/metal bust stiffeners. Shoulder/bust pads are best removed. Stiffening in pelmets, tiebacks and wadded/flannel and laminated curtain interlinings must be removed. (Dismantling/remaking service and price quote available)
4. Judging a sofa cover's size for pricing. We use a ‘bums-on-seat’ calculation, i.e. how many people can sit on the item? (irrespective of cushion cover numbers and configuration). For oversize 2, 3 or 4-seater base & back cushion covers add 10% to the listed price. (Corner units are based on the same seat-space calculation). See the price list for charges.
5. Wedding & evening dresses, etc. Where dyeable, they are best professionally processed but be aware, exposed polyester stitching will not dye. Silk invariably shrinks and it can often be difficult to produce an accurate colour and a good depth of shade. Be wary if buying a silk wedding dress of a being told "it will dye OK". Some do, some dye not so OK and some don't dye well at all. You could be lucky or you might need a Plan B!
6. Where we believe an order might require a none-standard treatment (such as de-sizing, pre-washing, acid stripping, etc.), we will contact you first for an explanation, your approval and agreement of cost. (See E & L on order form).
7. Sample testing. (Indicative Assessments). We have three options for testing samples. Test1. a) This is for a sample approx. credit card size (no smaller and not much bigger please) to be dyed to any convenient shade to see if the fabric will absorb colour ok.  b) A sample is dyed to a requested chart colour or c), to a customer’s own/scanned colour, but please note: The scanner cannot provide an accurate formula on fabrics with a pile, patterning or containing more than one colour. Test 2. This is where the same sized sample is first stripped to see if the colour reduces and then if successful, followed by either a), b) or c) from Test 1. Test 3. is for larger samples (in effect a small order which will require a quoted charge) for a complete machine process. Here again we can test for: a), colour absorption, b), dyeing to a chart colour or c), dyeing to a customer’s own/scanned colour, or/and d), ascertaining the material’s stripping potential. (See the price list for standard charges and list under D. on the order form). Note: A shrinkage indication is not possible on a piece of material less than 35cm. long and all tests are essentially ‘indicative’ only, as scaling up a small test piece result to an order can be more challenging due to factors affecting temperature, weight/volume/dye-to-water ratios & other technical requirements. Samples larger than 20cm x 20cm and weighing more than 120gms will be classed as an order and charged accordingly.
8. Delivery. Straightforward samples for a chart colour usually take 5-7 days. Colours requiring a lab. scan, (sample or order) usually takes 10-14 days. We aim to turn round most orders within 10-14 working days,
9. Excepting heavy schedule times but with notice and for a small premium, suitable chart colour (or a pre-ordered scan colour) orders can be returned within 7 days. (See price list). Due to changing lead times and technical factors we cannot always warrant a delivery time although every effort will be made to have orders ready to time.
10. Payment & prices.  All samples & orders (to be accompanied with an order form please) are only accepted pre-paid either with cash (personal callers only), by cheques or credit/debit cards details before processing commences.  Quoted/listed prices are guaranteed for 8 weeks from a quotation date.
11. Post & packing advice. Pack your order enclosing a printed-off order form into a heavy grade plastic bag or preferably, a strong cardboard carton. (No carton? Try your local supermarket or if it's a large/heavy order, a self-storage depot) Secure well, and address package clearly. Look up ‘Couriers’ in Yellow Pages/web for transport options. Most collect from residences. Or, send it by Parcel Force from a Post Office. Check the transit insurance cover as it may vary with the level of service.

* Dralon (acrylic) velvet is mostly used for 3pce. suite coverings & occasionally curtains, but not usually loose covers. It can be identified by having fine, stitched rows and/or ‘squares’ on the  reverse. The pile, if viewed in one direction, should have a very fine narrow, horizontal stripe and is generally thicker, stiffer, heavier and more bristly than cotton velvet. It can easily and permanently distort/flatten with heat/moisture/pressure.   

*1. We can tack protective fabric over the Velcro strips. Price on application.

 Up to 3lbs (1.36kg) £7.95

 3.1 lbs - 6 lbs (2.72kg) £12.80  

 6.1 lbs - 10 lbs (4.54kg) £16.50  

 10.1lbs - 16lbs (2.72kg) £19.90   

         16.1lbs – 20lbs (9.09kg) £25.70

         20.1lbs – 45lbs (20.45kg) £32.95 

         45 lbs – 55lbs (25kg) £39.30

 

Return rates to Scottish Highlands, offshore Islands, N. Ireland, Eire and other international destinations can be quoted once we know the order's weight (and its value for transit insurance purposes).

1. * Transit insurance. Returned couriered orders include transit insurance in the charge. In the unlikely event of damage or loss, the maximum payable is £150.00 per package, (not for the contents) up to 10 kg and £200.00 up to 22.70 kg, (not the contents irrespective of an orders' value). Orders with a higher weight/value than our transit cover should be insurable for both journeys by your household contents insurer or the courier company for a nominal amount. Orders for returning Recorded or Special Delivery will be quoted for once received.
2. Fire retarding. A legal requirement for soft furnishings sited in public areas in most institutional and public access buildings but should also be considered where there is a domestic fire/smoke risk. As most domestic fire retardants are none-durable and deteriorate with time, any remnant will be washed out during the dyeing process. We issue a dated fire retardant certificate (for a minimum 12 month period), conforming to current British Standards for curtains and upholstery.  
3. Shower proofing. Recommended for (suitable) outdoor wear. Leaves a soft, water-resistant handle to the material.
4. Stain Guarding. Recommended for loose covers where there’s risk of staining from animals, children or social occasions from drink and food spills. (See price list and note requirements on the order form under I. or J.)
5. Personal callers welcome. We are approx.12 miles south of Manchester, 3 from Stockport and 4 from Manchester Airport, close to the M56 and M60 with free parking on the adjacent road and at the side of our premises on our own forecourt. Phone for directions. We are open 8.30am to 6.00pm Monday-Friday, 5.00pm on Saturdays. Closed Sundays.
6. Uncollected orders. Notwithstanding pre-payment, orders for collection will only be kept for four months from the date of receipt, (unless notified by a Special Delivery letter to retain), after which, without exception it will be sent to a charity or otherwise disposed of with no liability on our part for restitution or compensation for the order’s value or the pre-paid processing charge. Maximum retention period is one month from receiving a request to retain.
7. After care. Although our dyes are fade resistant and fast to careful washing (and/or dry cleaning, the recommended option), dyes usually deteriorate when exposed to light and/or temperature washing on a regular basis. Where possible we recommend dry cleaning, otherwise wash at 30C using Dylon Colour Seal as instructed with a colour-safe detergent. On the first washing occasion rinse at least three times. Before using your machine again rinse with bleach at 40C, rinse again and wipe round the door/frame and rubber seal.
8. Ready to send your order?  See the list of service options A – N on the Order Form and complete those you require after checking the item/service charges on the price list. Please complete all relevant sections, (if unsure, call us for advice or for any other queries) and enclose your cheque or list your credit card details (unless you wish us to first respond to a processing query). Include an amount for the return post & packing charge (where known) and sign the ‘Customer Declaration’. Notwithstanding any verbal discussions, all test samples, query items, orders, returns, etc. must be sent with a completed order form, payment and clear instructions, plus a contact number and your name & return postal address.  
9. Important! Near the bottom of the order form on the right side where printed: Order Ref. No.......... please write in your usual daytime contact phone number. The last six digits will become your reference number for the order and should be quoted if you have query. Optional: Please list your evening/weekend phone number at the top right hand corner of the form (in case we need to, but cannot contact you during the day).
10.  Due to the occasional unreliability of electronic communication systems, if you (preferably) email or fax us and do not get a reply within 5 days, please telephone 0161 485 3421 to ascertain if we have received your query.
11. We do not normally acknowledge incoming orders, but if you wish to have your order’s safe arrival confirmed, (unless a 24/48 hour service) allow at least 4/5 days for a Parcelforce delivery before contacting us. To help us locate your order, please advise us of: Your surname, order ref. number, contents, original colour and new colour/or own shade required.

Trade & Commercial services include: fire, smoke & flood/remedial processing for clothing & soft furnishings, sample dyeing, remedial dyeing, de-sizing, enzyme & stone washing, loose-dye fixing & stock dyeing. Small, (no minimum) and quantity amounts welcome. Terms & charges available on application. See full list under 'Other Services'

Additional Domestic Services.

A fabric/colour consultant is available for domestic & commercial site visits. Charges on application.

Textiles: re weaving (invisible-mending).

Garments: Experts in stain removal treatments. Wedding dresses, leather, suede, fur cleaning & repair specialists. Postal service available. Details available on request.

Indicative Analytical Reports available, (determining who’s to blame) for customer disputes with retailers and/or dry cleaners over alleged faulty processing, damaged or sub-standard garments & soft furnishings. (Trading Standards & Citizens Advice bureau registered). Charges/quotations available on request.