A dye is a colored substance which has an affinity for the substrate it is applied. Dyes and other materials to make fiber coloring substances, natural and synthetic sub-two categories. Dyes are colored substance. But not necessarily colored substance is a dye. Because they absorb certain wavelengths of light more than others. In contrast to dyes, pigments are insoluble, and has no affinity for the substrate. Some dyes can be precipitated with an inert salt to produce a lake Pigment, and based on the use of which may be aluminum lake, calcium lake or barium lake pigments of salt.

Dye was able to make sure the color attached to the fiber material, and easy to fall off, change color. Typically dye dissolved in water, a part of the dye Mordant dye can require adhesion to the fibers. Archaeological data show that staining technique in India and the Middle East for over five thousand years of history. Then dyes or minerals come from plants and animals, rarely treated.
Dyes are usually applied in an aqueous solution, and may require a mordant to improve the fastness of the dye on the fiber.