The general disadvantage of the Sulphur dyes that they produce dull shades and lack a red. The main advantage lays in their cheapness, ease of application and good wash-fastness. In their normal state Sulphur dyes are insoluble in water but are readily soluble in the solution of Sodium Sulphide. In this form they have high affinity to the all cellulose fibres.

USE: The use of Sulphur dyes is restricted to dull brown, Khaki and Navy shades, where a good wash but not boil-fastness is required. Most Khaki and Navy overalls are dyed with Sulphur dyes. An outstanding member of this family is Sulphur black. It dyes all cellulose fibres, but particularly linen and jute, to a lustrous and deep black with excellent wash and light fastness. Sulphur dyes are dyed from a dye bath containing Sodium Sulphide and common or Glaubers Salt, and are oxidized by airing or with some oxidizing agents (Sodium Bichromate or Hydrogen Peroxide) in a fresh bath