Polyester garments are difficult to dye, especially if they are made of 100% polyester. It is a synthetic material derived from petroleum and considering its production process, we can say that, in practice, polyester is plastic. Furthermore, it is a hydrophobic material and has no ionic properties. Despite all this, it is possible to dye polyester and the fabrics containing it with a couple of different products.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: With a Specific Dye
Step 1. Weigh the garment to determine how much dye to use
Generally, one pack of product is sufficient for one kilogram of fabric.
- If the dress is very light or very dark, you will need to add a second bottle of dye, so keep it available for any eventuality.
- Polyester must be dyed with two product packs, because it is a synthetic material.
- The darker the color you are trying to achieve, the more dye you will need.
Step 2. Wash the fabric before dyeing it
This will eliminate any finish that could prevent the dye from being absorbed. Use warm, soapy water.
- Use a sink or small tub for smaller items, like a scarf or t-shirt.
- Use a large bucket or tub for larger items, such as a sweatshirt, jacket, or pair of pants.
Step 3. Consider tying the garment if you want an original dye
You can create different patterns, such as rosettes, sun spots, pinwheels and so on. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- For a simple, crumpled effect, ball up the garment and secure it with some large rubber bands.
- For a band effect, roll up the garment and tie a few rubber bands around it, several inches apart.
- To create a sunspot or pinwheel effect: pinch the center of the garment (such as a shirt or handkerchief) and rotate it. Continue the twist until you get a shape similar to a cinnamon roll. Secure the garment by wrapping some rubber bands around it.
Step 4. Bring 12 liters of water to a boil in a large pot on the stove
It is very difficult to dye polyester, so it is advisable to boil the water because the high temperatures guarantee a good result.
- When you have filled the pot as indicated, cover it with the lid and turn the heat on to high. The water must almost boil.
- In this phase the kitchen thermometer is very useful, because the dyeing process needs a constant temperature of 82 ° C. Thanks to the thermometer you can keep the water at this level.
Step 5. When the water starts to simmer, pour a bottle of dye into the pot
Remember to shake the product before diluting it, to make sure all the pigments are in suspension. Also incorporate a teaspoon of dish soap and use a large ladle to mix the "ingredients".
- If the fabric is white, and the dye has a light or pastel tone, start with half a bottle of dye. You can always add them later.
- If you are going to use multiple dyes, always start with the lighter one. You will need to do a different dip for each color.
Step 6. Test with a white cotton waste cloth
This way you can verify that the hue is what you want.
- If the color is too light, add another pack of dye.
- If the color is too dark, dilute the mixture with more water. At this point repeat the test with a new piece of waste fabric.
- If you have decided to add more dye, remember to shake the can before pouring the liquid.
Step 7. Immerse the garment in the dye bath
Wear rubber gloves for this so you don't stain your skin.
- Stir the fabric slowly and steadily for at least half an hour. In order for the dye to evenly penetrate all polyester fibers, you need to let it act for this time.
- Use kitchen tongs to lift the dress and move it into the pot.
- Do not remove the fabric from the dye before half an hour has passed, even if it has reached the shade you want. The color may disperse if you don't allow it enough time to set in the fibers and you will get a lighter tone than planned.
Step 8. Remove the garment from the dye when you are satisfied with the shade
Remember that as it dries, the fabric takes on a lighter shade. Squeeze the dress over the pot to get rid of excess liquid. Remember to wear rubber gloves for this operation, otherwise you will stain your hands.
If you have rubber bands attached around the garment to be dyed, cut them gently with a pair of scissors
Step 9. Rinse the fabric with running warm water
Keep rinsing it with cooler water until it runs clean.
If you want to add more colors to the garment, you can soak it in another dye bath after rinsing it. Always remember to rinse the garment after each dyeing
Step 10. Wash the dress once more with warm soapy water
Doing so will remove any excess residual color. Finally, rinse the garment again.
Step 11. Wrap it in a towel to absorb excess moisture
Gently squeeze it to remove as much water as possible.
If the item you want to dye is really big, you may need to repeat this process several times with a clean towel. Large objects absorb more water than thin ones
Step 12. Hang the dress out to dry
Place the hanger in a place where there is a lot of air circulation, for example on a balcony. If that's not possible for you, hang it in the bathroom and turn on the fan. Be sure to place some newspapers or old towels under the garment to catch any possible drips. There is a small chance that the garment still has some dye in it.
- Use a normal hanger from shirts or jackets.
- Use a trouser hanger, or clip hanger, to hang trousers, shirts, scarves, and handkerchiefs. Avoid draping the fabric as it dries.
Method 2 of 2: With Dispersion Dyes
Step 1. Clean the dress to prepare it for dyeing
There are two methods for this, but the important thing is to wash the fabric to allow it to absorb the dispersion pigments.
- Wash the fabric in the washing machine by setting the program to the highest possible temperature and adding half a teaspoon of sodium carbonate and half a specific detergent for dyed garments. The latter cleans and prepares the fibers to absorb pigments.
- Wash the fabric by hand in a large pot of water over the fire. Add half a teaspoon of sodium carbonate and the same specific detergent for dyed garments.
Step 2. Consider tying the garment if you want an original dye
You can create different patterns, such as rosettes, sun spots, pinwheels and so on. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- For a simple, crumpled effect, ball up the garment and secure it with some large rubber bands.
- For a band effect, roll up the garment and tie a few rubber bands around it, several inches apart.
- To create a sunspot or pinwheel effect: pinch the center of the garment (such as a shirt or handkerchief) and rotate it. Continue the twist until you get a shape similar to a cinnamon roll. Secure the garment by wrapping some rubber bands around it.
Step 3. Dissolve the dye in 240ml of boiling water
Depending on the shade you want to achieve, you need to vary the amount of powder dye. Mix the dye powder into the boiling water and then wait for it to cool to room temperature. When the mixture is cold, stir it again. At this point you need to filter it through two layers of nylon stockings before pouring it into the pot of water.
- If you want a pastel color, use ¼ teaspoon of dye.
- For a medium intensity color, dissolve ¾ of a teaspoon of powder.
- For a dark tone, use 3 teaspoons of pigment.
- If you want to dye the dress black, you need to use 6 teaspoons of dye.
Step 4. Dilute two tablespoons of carrier in 240ml of boiling water and mix
This product is required for dark colors, but is optional for pastel or medium intensity colors. In the next step, you will pour this mixture into the dye bath.
Step 5. Fill a large pot with 8 liters of water and bring everything to 49 ° C on the stove
When the water has reached the indicated temperature, add the ingredients listed here respecting the order. Always mix the mixture after pouring each product:
- ½ teaspoon of specific detergent for dyed garments.
- 1 teaspoon of citric acid or 11 teaspoons of distilled white vinegar.
- The diluted carrier product, if you have to use it.
- ¾ teaspoon of water softener (optional, unless the water in your house is hard).
- The dissolved and filtered dye.
Step 6. Add the garment to the dye bath
But first mix the mixture for at least a minute.
Step 7. Bring the liquid to a full boil
Stir constantly as you heat the mixture. Mix gently so that no creases form in the fabric and the dye reaches all the fibers evenly.
Step 8. When the dye bath boils, turn the heat down and let it boil slightly for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally
The total time, however, depends on the intensity of the color you want to achieve.
Step 9. Heat a second pot of water to 82 ° C while letting the color bath simmer
When the fabric has reached the shade or shade you want, remove it from the dye and transfer it to the second pot of hot water.
- Make sure the water is actually 82 ° C, otherwise the fabric will smell bad and there will be residual pigment in the fibers.
- Submerge the dress completely to rinse it completely.
Step 10. Discard the coloring liquid and fill the pot with 70 ° C water
You need to prepare a mixture to wash the polyester again before drying it.
- Add half a teaspoon of specific detergent for dyed clothes.
- Transfer the colored dress from the rinsing pot to the washing pot. Stir occasionally for 5-10 minutes.
Step 11. Rinse the dress again with warm water
When you see this flowing clear again, you can remove excess moisture by wrapping the fabric in a towel or squeezing it.
- Smell the fabric once you've rinsed and wrung it out. If it smells the same as the carrier product, repeat steps 7 and 8 to get rid of it.
- If the dress has no smell, you can hang it to dry.
- If you have rubber bands attached around the garment to be dyed, cut them gently with a pair of scissors.
Advice
In addition to rubber gloves, you must wear other protective equipment, such as old clothes, an apron, and goggles. For the second method, it would be wise to use a face mask, so you don't risk inhaling the dye dust particles
Warnings
- Only dye clothes in stainless steel containers or enameled pots. All other materials could be damaged and stained. This also applies to the tongs and utensils you use to mix; make sure they are stainless steel.
- Air the room in which you dye the fabrics by opening the windows, in this way the vapors of the dye dissipate and leave the room.
- Never use utensils used to dye clothes to prepare food.
- Do not try to dye fabrics that say "dry clean" on the label, otherwise you will ruin them.
