Important Notes
Color
If the garment you are dyeing is white or off white, then you should be able to achieve true color. If the garment has an existing color, then please review our instructions on how to get the darkest color possible.
Patterns and Logos
If the garment you are dyeing has a pattern or logo, the color you use will mix with the existing color(s) in the fabric and create new colors. To learn more about this, please review our instructions on overdyeing patterns and logos.
Bleach Stains and Sun Damage
Sun and bleach actually damage fabric, making it very difficult to dye. If you still want to try and dye a garment with bleach or sun damage, you could try using Rit Color Remover on the garment before dyeing. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee this will work.
Instructions
- Pre-wash fabric to remove any finishes or stains. Leave damp and set aside.
- Refer to the color chart on the side of the outer box or below to determine how much dye is suggested for your desired outcome. Please note that color results may vary by fabric type, amount of dye used, water temperature and time in dyebath. If overdyeing an existing color, keep in mind that the rules of color mixing will apply.
- Wearing rubber gloves, prepare the dyebath. Shake well before using. For every pound of dry fabric, use the suggested amount of dye from the color chart on the outer box with 3 gallons of water. Dyebath must have enough water for the fabric to move freely. Use hot water. Ideally, water temperature should be 140°F or greater.
- For best results, add 1 cup of salt to the dyebath for cotton, rayon or linen. Add 1 cup of vinegar to the dyebath for nylon, silk or wool.
- Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
- Mix well.
- Submerge unfolded wet fabric into dyebath.
- Stir consistently for 30 minutes or until desired color is achieved (up to 60 minutes). Fabric will look darker when wet, prior to washing and drying.
- To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
- Rinse in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
- Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
- To determine how much dye is needed, weigh the item to be dyed on a food scale or estimate the weight. As a general guideline, one liquid bottle / two powder packages dyes 2 pounds of dry fabric. If you are trying to achieve a very bold color, then double the dye quantity.
- Fiber content and weight effect how color appears. If you are in doubt as to whether your fabric will accept dye or achieve the color you want, we recommend testing a swatch first.
- Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the garment. This will help achieve uniform color results when dyeing. Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
- Cover work area with plastic table cover or newspaper and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
- Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from getting stained and to insulate them when working with hot water.
- Fill a stainless steel pot with enough water for the fabric to move freely. We recommend using 3 gallons of water for every pound of fabric.
- To enhance the color: (1) add 1 cup of salt when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie or linen; (2) add 1 cup / 240 mL of vinegar when dyeing fabrics containing nylon, silk or wool.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
- Cover pot and heat water on stove top to just below boiling (or around 200ºF / 93ºC).
- If using powder dye, dissolve thoroughly in 2 cups of very hot water.
- When water begins to simmer, pour dissolved powder dye or well-shaken liquid dye into dyebath and mix well.
- Test color by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. If color is too light, add more dye. If color is too dark, add more water.
- Wet the fabric, squeeze out any excess water and add it to the dyebath.
- Keep temperature at a low simmer for the duration of your dyeing.
- Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even color with no splotches.
- Item can remain in dyebath from 10 minutes up to one hour with stirring. If dyeing a polyester cotton blend, keep the fabric in the dyebath for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the color takes fully. Nylon tends to dye very quickly and much darker than other fibers so the actual time needed in the dyebath is less.
- When desired color is achieved, remove from dye bath. Fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.
- To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
- Rinse in warm water and then gradually cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
- Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
