Dyeing fabrics

There are many dyes available for wholesale dyeing but for individual dyeing of fabrics I recommend Rit dyes. Rit dyes can be obtained in most large retail centers and comes in various shades of color. If you follow the manufacturer’s instructions the dyeing can be effective. Rit dyes are classified as direct dyes. You can use these dyes to increase the color of a faded garment, change the color or cover a discoloration. If you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and my suggestions, dyeing can be rewarding and profitable. I have used the Rit dyeing process many times. The process can be used to increase the intensity of dark garments which have faded from wear or use. Rit dyes, as mentioned are direct dyes and most effective on wool, silk, cotton, linen and rayon. The important thing about using direct dye is to keep the water temperature hot (140°F ~160°F).

PREPARATION FOR DYEING FABRICS

Before any dyeing takes place the garment to be dyed should be thoroughly cleaned. Any soil, wax or dirt remaining on the fabric will inhibit the results of dyeing. If the fabric has been drycleaned it should be thoroughly clear rinse to remove any detergent. If garment has been wetcleaned it should be clear rinsed. If garment has been bleached or any chemical used it should be properly neutralized before dyeing is attempted.  Most dyeing should be done on a white or off white fabric. If a color is to be changed it first must be bleached to a white color. A dark color can be made darker only with the same color. For example, a black color can be deepened with more black. A blue color cannot be made black by overdyeing with blue. This will result in a different shading on fabric.

REMEMBER-CUSTOMERS SHOULD BE MADE AWARE THAT DYEING ENTIRE FABRICS IS AT THEIR OWN RISK. THE PURPOSE OF DYEING FABRICS IS TO TRY AND RESTORE A COMPLETELY UNUSABLE AND UNWEARABLE GARMENT TO A WEARABLE CONDITION.

PROCEDURE FOR DYEING IN WASHING MACHINE

You should carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions before using.

• Shake bottle-this disperses the dye pigments in the solution.
• Make the water as hot as possible. (140°F-160°F). An easy way to heat water is to put it in a bucket and then place a steam gun in the bucket and then maneuver the pedal to heat the water.
• Add more hot water to the washing machine on a low level.
• Add the Rit dye to the washer and allow the washer to begin agitating.
• Wet the fabric before entering into the washing machine.
• Add salt and acetic acid for dye setting purposes. One tablespoon of salt per gallon of water and 2 ounces of 28% acetic per gallon of water. Run washer for thirty minutes.

• Rinse in cool water.
• Add fabric softener to the rinse water to enhance the color.
• Extract and dry.
• Run washer with chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) to clean the dye from the washer.
• Run wet dark clothes in the dryer to remove any residual dye from the dryer.

DYEING IN A BUCKET OR PAIL

• You can add Rit dye to a bucket using hot water (140°F-160°F)
• Use half the amount of dye to hot water.
• Shake bottle and add dye.
• Stir, using a wood paddle.
• Add salt and acetic acid.
• Wet garment.
• Put garment in bucket and soak for thirty minutes.
• Agitate, using a wood paddle.
• Rinse in cool water.
• Extract garment and dry in a dryer.

TEA DYEING

Tea dyeing is used to create an off white fabric. It is frequently used to dye wedding gowns and veils. It can be used to dye tablecloths and other fabrics and can create an antique look. It cannot be used on thermo-plastic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, acrylic and acetate. Tea dyeing is most effective when done in small buckets or pails rather than the washing machine.

METHODS FOR TEA DYEING

Place a gallon of hot water in a bucket with several tea bags and allow it to steep. You can also brew hot tea and continue to add to the bucket. Once the desired shade has been achieved remove the tea bags. Remember, the hotter the water and deeper the color the more absorption into the fabric. Even if you have a lighter color in the bucket of tea the fabric will eventually oxidize and darken. Before placing the item in the bucket it is advisable to wet the item first. This will allow a better and more even absorption. While soaking do not add vinegar to set the tea dye. Vinegar will lighten the application. Add salt to aid in setting of the tea dye. Add 2 tablespoons of salt per gallon of water. Soak from 15 minutes to one half hour. Rinse in cool water. Extract in the washing machine and dry. For a deeper concentration and intensity of color do not rinse in cool water. Simply extract the item in the washing machine and then dry in your dryer. Allow the garment to hang for a few days. This will result in the tea oxidizing and further darkening the color.