Color Factory

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We can dye any of the following items and more, contact us to discuss your requirements.

• Accessories

  Cords, lace, elastics, tapes and most trimmings.

• Garments

  All items of clothing, caps, bags.

• Fabrics

  Cut lengths of fabrics.

• Homewares

  Towels, sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, lounge covers, throws.

• Curtains

  New and used curtains.

Yes, most of the time except if the fabric has been treated in manufacture with ScotchGuard. In this case the dye does not penetrate the fabric to cover stains.

Unfortunately, we cannot judge whether a canvas will accept dye or not just by looking at it if it is not labelled. We only know the result after the dye process.

We cannot predict shrinkages of pure merino woollen garments. Merino blends tend to be more stable than pure Merino garments

Please contact us immediately. We want happy clients.

The Color Factory is a purpose-built dyehouse; its floor actually runs at an angle so the excess water and dyestuff can run off. The original construction is attributed to a councillor named Rickards.

Rod Bradman of Textile Dyers purchased the building and business in 1968; a large part of his business was dyeing knickers, and it was a common sight to see him rushing outside (much to the amusement of the locals) holding up a pair of knickers to see if he had the colour right!

In 1982, Bradman sold the business to Donaghys who used a large continuous dyeing machine to dye braided products such as seat belts and webbings.

Rob Sinkonson then came on the scene and was offered a lease on the equipment. In 1994, Peter Lawrence joined him as a partner; they dyed large quantities of knit products such as tee shirts, sweatshirts, and the famous trackpants for Barker Menswear.

Peter later did a deal with Rob so he could focus on his braid business. Peter is still next door and trades as Braidmakers, producing a range of braids and specialising in the sailing industry.

In 2005, Rob decided he’d had enough and sold New Lynn Dyers to Charlie Carter-Johnson of Streetwise Apparel.

Streetwise wanted to continue the dyeing which was very convenient and cost effective; this was first managed by William Hutson, and is now managed by Victor Desouza who brings his dyeing experience gained in plants around the world.

The plant today has added a range of garment dyeing machines — with capacities ranging from 5 kilograms to 60 kilograms — that can meet a wide range of dyeing needs including current items such as household goods like curtains and lounge covers.

Are you ready to dye?

For any dye job, you need to follow this procedure:

• Download a copy of our disclaimer (PDF Disclaimer).
• Read it carefully, sign and return this with the item you want dyed.
• Tell or show us the colour you want (a PMS number is suitable or a cutting of fabric).
• Pay the required amount into our bank account (PDF deposit slip).
• Give us a delivery address and your contact telephone numbers.
• We will then proceed to dye this item for you. If we have any problems we will contact you.

Organic dyeing

• The fabric dyes used by the Color Factory are approved by the Global Organic Textile Standard.
• Our dyes also comply with the Ocko-Tex standard 100 for materials that come in direct contact with the skin.
• Plus, we fulfil the environmental criteria specified by the European Ecolabel for Textiles.
• The amount of metal impurities present in the dyes we use is below the internationally recognised ETAD recommended limits. For further information about ETAD limits, visit www.etad.com.
• The dyestuffs do not liberate – by reductive clearage – any one or more of the 22 carcinogenic amines listed in the EU Directive 2002/61/EC dated 19/07/2002 i.e. they comply with the azo dye ban.

Professional fabric dyeing for quality results

• Using our Gretag Spectrophotometer, we can match any existing colour, then reproduce it exactly. You can give us a PMS number or bring in a fabric swatch of the colour you want. If you don’t know the colour you want, you can choose from an extensive list of colour recipes in our database.
• We recently invested more than $200,000 in new dyeing equipment to ensure consistent, quality results.
• The entire dying process is automatic, including adding the dyestuff, adding the water and steam, and the final extraction or spin processes.
• We dry the fabrics and garments at the optimum drying temperatures dictated by the fabric itself.
• All dyes are colourfast.
• The dyes we use comply with the Ocko-Tex standard 100 for materials that come in direct contact with the skin.
• We also fulfil the environmental criteria specified by the European Ecolabel for Textiles.

Dye your clothes

• Your favourite jeans can be restored to their almost-original glory.
• Buy white or light-coloured clothes that fit well, then have them dyed any colour you like.
• Update knitwear, shirts and tailored trousers.
• Restore intensity to faded blacks.
• Get into fashion with tie dyeing. Tie dye garments look great.

Dye your curtains, cushion covers and bed linen

• We will test your curtains first to see if they are suited to dyeing.
• We also dye sheets, pillowcases, cushion covers and more.
• Dyeing lounge suite loose covers is an easy way to update your living area.

Things you need to know about dyeing

• Acrylic fabrics will not dye in our processes.
• Bed and bath linen with prior use may dye unevenly and may also shrink.
• When the fibre type is unknown, the resulting colour may be unexpected.
• Silk soft sheen is lost during dyeing leaving a suede or ‘washed’ look.
• Do not dye duchess satin silk. A professional dry cleaner who offers “silk finish” can often restore sheen and colour intensity.
• Stains from aluminium-based deodorants, perspiration, body oils and similar chemicals attract excess surface dye.
• Some acetates crease permanently during processing, but acetate blends generally dye successfully.
• Stitching often dyes lighter than the fabric colour.
• Commonly used fabric resin treatments can cause colours to dye lighter than expected. A second process (free of charge) may rectify this.
• Matching blacks should not be attempted as blacks rarely match.
• Remove all leather from your article as it shrinks during the dyeing process. Raw or cut fabric edges should be overlocked.
• If you want to tie dye please call us. Tie dyeing is a manual process and results will vary but it is well worth the effort.

Shrinkage

In our experience, curtains always shrink a bit. Silk also shrinks and often dyes lighter than expected. Most shrinkage occurs due to loss of moisture. Tumble drying, yarn structure and other factors make shrinkage difficult to predict. To regain size, you can stretch the item when wet and ‘line’ or ‘flat’ dry away from sunlight. In most cases, your professional dry cleaner is able to retension, steam and stretch your article.

Buttons and zips

Buttons and zips will only dye in a multi-fibre dye process. Shell, pearl, metal and fabric buttons will deteriorate and may break during dyeing – it’s best to remove them. We do not replace missing or damaged buttons and zips.

Tailored articles

After processing, around 20% of tailored articles such as jackets and coats require some repairs.

Why spend your weekends washing clothes? Get a life!

Our professional laundering and ironing equipment is designed to take the best possible care of your clothes, so that you can focus on work, family and fun. You can drop off and collect; or get us to pick up and deliver (Auckland wide pick-up and delivery available – charges apply).

Laundromat charges

All clothes washing prices include powder, softener and a basic fold.

Please call us on 09 827 3813 if you want a quote.

Discounts given for regular clients and bulk work. All prices are exclusive of GST.

Are you looking for a high-quality alteration service that’s big on value?

When it comes to clothing alterations and repairs, we know our stuff. We offer a high-quality service with fast turnaround at a
very competitive price.

Our experienced professional seamstresses can help you with any type of alteration on any garment. You can rely on us to
safely repair precious items, like your favourite designer jacket, or to take up your expensive suit pants.

We also offer a hassle-free pick up and delivery service to Auckland-based customers. Charges apply, so contact us for a quote.

We’re a little bit special

Unlike most clothing alteration companies, we also specialise in laundry, ironing and garment dyeing services.
If you’d like us to add the perfect finish to your newly altered or repaired garment, just let us know.

Pricelist

Our location

The Colorfactory is located at 1 Ward Street, New Lynn, in West Auckland. Click here for a map.

If you would like more information on our alterations and repairs service contact us now on 09 827 3813.

Professional dyeing for quality results

• Using our Gretag Spectrophotometer, we can match any existing colour, then reproduce it exactly batch after batch.
• If you don’t know the colour you want, you can choose from an extensive list of colour recipes in our database.
• We recently invested more than $200,000 in new dyeing equipment to ensure consistent, quality results.
• The entire dying process is automatic, including adding the dyestuff, adding the water and steam, and the final extraction or spin processes.
• We dry the fabrics and garments at the optimum drying temperatures dictated by the fabric itself.
• The dyes we use comply with the Ocko-Tex standard 100 for materials that come in direct contact with the skin.
• We also fulfil the environmental criteria specified by the European Ecolabel for Textiles.

Benefits of garment dyeing

• Unlike the knitting mills, there are no minimums with our garment dyeing service.
• You can manufacture or buy all your stock in white or greige and dye as you sell.
• Small, regular runs are good for cashflow – plus you’re less likely to get stuck with excess stock in an unpopular colour.
• We can help you to develop your colour range and select styles suited to garment dyeing.
• You can create custom colours or match popular colours from years gone by.

Benefits of fabric dyeing

• Dyeing fabric before manufacture can eliminate the risk of shrinkage and colour-loss after sale.
• Our service is faster than other dyeing services, so you can respond quickly to market opportunities.
• You can create your own colours, treat the fabrics with enzymes and remove all additives to achieve the look and feel you require.
• Once dyed, your fabric is ready for cutting.
• Fabric faults usually become obvious in the dyeing process, so you can avoid the losses associated with discovering fabric faults after manufacture.
• Special effects, such as tie dyeing, are achievable.