What is the LAB-DIP?

A fabric sample that has been dyed to match a designer's color specifications is called a lab dip. Usually, a color lab or dye house develops it. A lab dip is used to provide a designer with a preview of the color of the fabric before it is manufactured. This is why bulk manufacturing cannot occur without the designer's agreement.

A lab dip is a sample of yarns or fabric that has been dyed and ready for color approval. The procedure of lap dip is crucial to the creation of fabrics for clothing companies as well as those that manufacture fabrics. The buyer must provide consent before bulk cloth dyeing lab dip is performed.

Clothing companies use a light box to visually assess fabric color and tone, or they use a spectrophotometer to measure it digitally. The lab dips are created by dyeing mills and sent to the buyer for color approval by the apparel supplier.

The apparel merchandisers in a garment manufacturing facility oversee and coordinate the follow-up of the lap dip process. They pick up the dyed fabric from the fabric mills and give shade references to the fabric mills (fabric makers). The merchandiser examines the lap dip sample on their own initially. They give the buyer the lad dip sample once they are pleased.

The process for submitting a lab dip could differ depending on the brand. Before submitting a lab dip, the supplier often compares the color to the specified color standard (which could be a fabric sample or Pantone color code) in a light box with a specified light source (like D65). (Note: For instructions on submitting a lab dip, go to the buyer's instructions.) Three of the color options—those that most closely resemble the standard—that the supplier receives from the mill are forwarded to the buyer. Typically, a 6 x 6 inch fabric piece is used to create a lab dip sample.

This article explains the process for approving fabric color. View the sample form for submitting a lab dip.

METHODS FOR LAB DIP SHADE MATCHING

Numerous lab dip techniques are used in laboratories, including sodium light matching, sunshine matching, tube light matching, UV matching, and more. The outcomes of each strategy vary.

Generally speaking, the duration of the lab dip matching procedure can range from a few days to two weeks, contingent upon the availability of dye materials, the complexity of the color to match, and the lab's schedule.

That being said,  polyester or blends dip takes twelve hours, whilst a cotton dip can take up to six hours. Until the ideal color match is obtained, the dipping procedure is repeated. The dyed samples are next examined in a light box to see how the colors appear in various lighting conditions.

 

KEY INFORMATION TO RETENTION

Make sure you first approve lab dips before dying large quantities of clothing. The best matching can be completed for you by a reliable manufacturer or lab.

Nevertheless, it's far harder to match some hues than others—black, gray, nude, etc. These hues often burst forth in many directions.

Additionally, if you are lab dipping bras, be sure that every component is the same color. Conversely, one-off pieces like hoodies are easier to put together and need less time than bras. 

Obtain a color card for the cloth from a mill to facilitate the lab dipping process. Mills typically provide a limited range of basic or popular hues. Selecting the available hue will save you a significant amount of money and time.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you would want additional information on lab dipping. At Lefty Production Co., we provide apparel and accessory designers with comprehensive design, development, and manufacturing solutions.

We source fabrics and trims, create patterns, create samples, fit fittings, grade and mark, cut, package, and more.

We specialize in a wide range of clothing, including swimsuit and bikini, lingerie, home textiles, purses, and accessories, as well as clothing for men, women, and kids.