Important Notes
To get the closest color match to the item you are dyeing, try using one of our color formulas. We have over 500.
This method works best with Rit All-Purpose Dye on natural fabrics, like cotton, linen, silk, wool and ramie. It will also work on nylon and rayon. Fabrics containing more than 35% synthetic material (such as polyester, acrylic or acetate) are more challenging to color correct with this method. However, we do have some tips below.
Instructions
All-Purpose Dye
- Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
- Wearing rubber gloves, pour 2 tablespoons/30 mL of well-shaken Rit All-Purpose Dye into 1/2 cup / 120 mL of very hot tap water. The water should ideally be 140ºF / 60ºC. If your tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add it to the cup. If you are using a color formula, mix dyes in a separate container and then transfer 2 tablespoons / 30 mL of the dye mix into 1/2 cup / 120 mL of hot water.
- Stir well.
- Dip a small corner of a piece of clean cloth into the hot dye, gently squeezing out the excess. Rub the area where you wish to apply the dye. For extremely small areas, you can use a cotton swab to apply the dye.
- Allow the dye to set for 20 minutes.
- To further set the dye, use a hot steam iron. Sandwich the treated area between two clean cloths or paper towels, then press.
- To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
- Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
- If the correction comes out too light, repeat the spot dyeing process.
DyeMore for Synthetics
- Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
- Wearing rubber gloves, pour 2 tablespoons / 30 mL of well-shaken Rit DyeMore into 1/2 cup / 120 mL of boiling water.
- Stir well.
- Dip a small corner of a piece of clean cloth into the hot dye, gently squeezing out the excess. Rub the area where you wish to apply the dye. For extremely small areas, you can use a cotton swab to apply the dye.
- To set the dye, use a hot steam iron. Sandwich the treated area between two clean cloths or paper towels, then press. You could also use a blow dryer. Slowly move the hot blow dryer back and forth over the treated area until dry.
- Once the area is dry, take a damp paper towel and lightly pat the area. Do not rub.
- If the correction comes out too light, repeat the spot dyeing process.
