Ideally, only undyed fabrics should be used in the enclosed environment of an exhibit case, and it should be recognized that using dyed fabrics is a compromise in terms of preservation. An alternative to using a dyed fabric is using an undyed linen. Linen comes in a variety of natural shades that range from light to dark and may provide the appearance required. Also, linen can be woven in a variety of weaves from fine to heavily textured that look well with many different types of objects. A line of undyed naturally shaded cottons is also commercially available through Vreseis Limited, P. O Box 87, Wickenburg, AZ 85358.
Colors range from beige to brown to green.
Woven fabrics and jersey knits are available. If a dyed fabric must be used, the fabric needs to be tested carefully. Colorfastness is a concern because permanent damage can occur if the dye transfers or bleeds onto an object due to contact with high relative humidity or water. To test for colorfastness, begin by washing the fabric repeatedly until no color appears in the rinse. Then test the fastness of the dye by spraying the fabric with water and weighting the fabric against a clean white blotter.