Most natural fabrics, along with other materials like paper, wood, rope, and even nylon-based plastics, can be colored with ri dye.It is easy to use since it comes in a variety of colors.Pick a shade, add an appropriate amount to a container of hot water, and submerge the item you want to dye.After a few washes, the item will have a vibrant new look and enjoy many more wears.
Step 1: Do your dyeing with a container.
A plastic bucket or dish pan that holds around 5 gallons (19 L) will allow you to work with bold colors without worrying about making a mess.It is possible to do your dyeing in a sink.It is important that the container you choose is large enough to hold several gallons of water and the item you are dyeing.It is not advisable to use Rit Dye in white porcelain or fiberglass sinks.
Step 2: You need to protect your work area.
Take a few sheets of newspaper or towels and put them under the dyeing container.They'll serve as a barrier to keep the dye from coming into contact with the floor, countertop, or whatever other surface you're using.You can spare yourself an extensive cleaning process later on if you take a few extra moments to prepare.Gloves are required to avoid staining your hands while handling dye.
Step 3: Put hot water in the container.
The water you use for dyeing should be hot enough to release steam.The heat will help the fabric absorb the dye.For every pound of fabric you use for coloring, you should use 11 gallons of water.Transfer the water from your tap to a tea kettle if it doesn't get as hot as you want.
Step 4: Measure out the amount of Rit Dye.
If you want the best results, use half a bottle of liquid dye per pound of fabric or a whole box of powdered dye.If you are dyeing a single t-shirt or a couple pairs of underwear, you can get away with using less, whereas you will likely need more.
Step 5: The dye should be put into the water.
It is possible to pour liquid dye straight in.For powdered Rit Dye, mix the entire package into 2 cups of hot water, then incorporate the mixture slowly until you achieve the desired depth of color.Wait until the dye is completely distributed.Make sure the dye is properly mixed by giving it a good shake.Do your stirring with a spoon.
Step 6: Even dyeing can be done with salt orvinegar.
Add hot water and salt to the dye bath if the item you are dyeing is cotton.If you want to use wool, silk, or nylons, use 1 cup of distilled white vinegar.The dye bath needs to be stirred again.Some fabrics are resistant to dyes.The consistency of the fabric will be improved by the use of salt or vinegar.
Step 7: Start by wearing a freshly-laundered garment.
Dry the item on a low-medium heat setting after washing it in warm water with a stain-fighting detergent.There are foreign substances in the material that might interfere with the dyeing process.Do not attempt to dye clothing.Dirt and oil build up can prevent the dye from setting into certain areas, and the garment will come out looking spotty or streaked.
Step 8: A color test can be performed on a paper towel.
Take the corner of the paper towel and dip it into the solution.Proceed to the next step if you are satisfied with the outcome.It may be necessary to add more dye a little at a time.Once you get the color just right, repeat the test on another part of the paper towel.
Step 9: The item should be submerged in the dye bath.
Lower it slowly to prevent splashing.It should be able to sit under the solution at all times.As possible, the garment should be unfurled.The dye's ability to penetrate evenly could be affected by Wrinkles or folds.
Step 10: Remove the item from the dye for a short time.
Every part of the fabric should be exposed to the solution.The final color will be more intense if you leave it in the dye bath longer.Stop around the 10 minute mark for a mild color boost.Changing the color of a garment takes half an hour.It is easier to drag the item through the dye with a pair of tongs.If you hold the fabric in the same spot all the time, the dye won't be able to get to it.While it is wet, the item may appear darker.
Step 11: The dyed garment should be removed.
Lift the item out of the dye bath when you're satisfied with the look of it.Allow the excess solution to trickle off into the container, then wring out as much dye as you can by hand before moving the garment to another area.If you want to avoid leaving a trail of drips all over your home, set up your dyeing station close to the area where you'll be rinsing.
Step 12: Immediately wash the item.
To wash away the saturated dye, hold the garment under a stream of warm water.Slowly decrease the temperature of the water so that it cools the garment in stages.Continue rinsing until the water clears.The color set will be helped by going from warm to cool water.
Step 13: You can run the item through the machine.
To wash freshly-dyed apparel, use a mild detergent.You can soak up any dye that happens to run with an old towel.Separating colored items for the first few washes will prevent bleeding and color-mixing.Following a few washings, some materials may fade.To maintain the appearance of your dyed clothing, consider using color-preserving detergents and fabric softeners.
Step 14: Before wearing, dry the item thoroughly.
The heat from the dryer will change the color of the fabric.You should keep an old towel with you in case of minor bleeding.After washing and drying, you can begin dyeing your clothing.The item will be ready to wear when it comes out of the dryer.
Step 15: By hand, wash and dry delicates.
Wool, silk, and lace can be whisked through a sinkful of clean, warm water.To clean and restore the fabric, mix in a small amount of detergent.Hang each garment separately and allow them to air dry after pressing out the excess water.It can take as long as 24 hours for clothing to dry completely.As the delicates dry to catch stray drips, place a bucket or old towel beneath them.