Nylon is a synthetic fabric that can be dyed, so changing the color of this material is a pretty easy procedure. Once you have everything you need, you simply have to prepare the dye bath and let the jacket soak in it, until the material takes on the new color. It's pretty simple, but preparing everything properly and taking the right precautions can make the process run smooth as oil.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Get the Supplies and Prepare the Jacket
Step 1. Check what material the jacket is made of
The garment's label should specifically indicate the composition and relative proportions. A 100% nylon jacket should be relatively easy to dye, but if it is a synthetic blend that includes other materials (e.g. polyester or acetate), it may be more difficult for the dye to take.
- Even if the jacket is made from a mix of synthetic materials, usually the dye is effective if at least 60% is nylon. The nylon blend can still be dyed, as long as the other materials are also able to absorb the pigments. These include cotton, linen, silk, wool, ramie and rayon.
- Some types of nylon are treated or coated to become durable, stain resistant or waterproof. This can prevent them from absorbing the pigments, so read the label to find this information as well.
Step 2. Consider the color of the jacket
Although made of easy-to-dye materials, the original color will significantly affect the dyeing operation. You should be able to dye a white or light gray garment without too much trouble. However, if the jacket is of a different color, you may have difficulty, especially if it is already dark.
- White and off-white jackets are the easiest to dye. The same goes for a light pastel color, such as light blue, pale pink and canary yellow. However, remember that the starting color will alter the final result.
- If you try to dye an already colored jacket, make sure the new dye is bright or dark to cover the old color.
Step 3. Choose the right tint
Most chemical dyes are effective on nylon, but you should make sure before buying one. Generally, the packaging indicates which materials the product is compatible with. If you don't find this information, look for it on the company's website.
- Classic dyes are effective on both natural and synthetic fibers, but some brands have different formulations for each type of material.
- Always read the instructions to verify that the procedure is feasible for your particular jacket. If they are different from what is shown in this article, pay attention to the manufacturer.
- Many, but not all, dyes are in the form of a powder and must be mixed with water to be activated.
Step 4. Protect the countertop
The dyeing process is very dirty and may stain certain surfaces. Protect the entire work area by covering it with newspaper sheets, plastic sheets or materials that cannot be penetrated by liquids.
- Keep clean napkins, an all-purpose cleaner, and a faucet handy. If the paint splatters elsewhere, they will allow you to clean before it sets.
- Also be sure to protect your clothes and skin by wearing rubber gloves, an apron, a suit, and a pair of safety glasses. While taking the right precautions, it's best to use clothes that you can stain safely.
Step 5. Remove the accessories from the jacket
Any items that you can easily remove and do not want to dye should be removed before dyeing. For example, if your jacket has a removable lining and you don't need to color it, take it off. The same goes for separable hoods, zipper pulls, and so on.
- This way, you can be sure that you don't use the dye on parts of the jacket that won't be seen on the outside or that need to remain the original color.
- If the removable parts are black, take them off, whether you want to dye them or not, on the other hand the black nylon cannot be altered by any dye.
- Check your pockets to see if you've accidentally left anything there. You certainly don't want cough lozenges or lip balm to melt inside!
Step 6. Soak the jacket
Just before dyeing it, soak it completely in warm water. This step is recommended because the wet fibers absorb the dye more evenly and accurately, allowing you to achieve a more professional result.
- Use a large bucket or deeper sink for this procedure.
- Once you've taken the jacket out of the water, smooth out the creases. This way the dye will coat all surfaces evenly when you start the dyeing process.
Part 2 of 3: Dye the Jacket
Step 1. Heat the water
Fill a large stainless steel pot with enough water to completely submerge the jacket. Put it on the stove over medium heat and bring the water to a gentle boil.
- The pot should be large enough to allow you to move the jacket under the surface of the water, otherwise the nylon may absorb the dye unevenly.
- You will need about 12 liters of water for each dye package you intend to use (but you will find more precise instructions on the box). Using less water will intensify the color, while more water will dilute it.
- Ideally, the pot should be large enough to fill about three-quarters full after adding the desired amount of water.
Step 2. Dissolve the tint separately
Fill a separate container with about two glasses of hot water (or the amount recommended on the box). Pour a pack of dye powder into the water and mix until completely dissolved. If it's liquid, you should still mix it until it blends well with the water.
You shouldn't pour the powder or liquid dye directly onto the jacket, unless you want to get an "artistic" and uneven result
Step 3. Add the dye
After dissolving the dye in a separate container, pour it into the pot of water you put to a simmer. Stir slowly, letting the dye dissolve evenly. This step allows you to create the dye bath and is important to obtain a result as homogeneous as possible.
- If you don't have a large enough pot to hold the right amount of water and your jacket, you can pour the simmering water into a plastic bucket or basin before adding the dissolved dye. For this procedure, do not use fiberglass or porcelain sinks or tubs, as they could get stained.
- For best results, the dye bath should be kept warm (around 60 ° C) during the process, so consider this when deciding whether to use a different pot or container.
Step 4. Add the vinegar to the dye bath
For every 12 liters of dye bath, calculate a glass of distilled white vinegar. It allows the dye to adhere to the nylon fibers and obtain a more intense color.
If you don't have vinegar, you can still dye your jacket. However, the color may not be as intense as what you could have achieved otherwise
Step 5. Immerse the jacket in the dye bath
Slowly and carefully put it into the simmering liquid, pressing it into the water until it is completely submerged. Leave it to soak for up to an hour, moving it constantly.
- You don't have to put the jacket in the pot and think that it does everything by itself; the air trapped beneath the nylon will cause it to float, resulting in an uneven tint.
- Use a large spoon or disposable chopsticks to press the jacket into the dye bath. This way you won't get burned and avoid staining your hands.
- Once the jacket is well soaked in water, it should remain under the surface of the dye bath. Keep moving it around the bowl to make sure all surfaces are evenly coated.
- If you leave the jacket in the dye bath longer, the color will be brighter (or darker, depending on the color).
- After putting the jacket to soak, the color will always seem darker than what you will have after the process.
Step 6. Remove the jacket from the dye bath
Turn off the heat. Lift the jacket carefully using two spoons, or grab it with your hands, but put on the gloves first. Move it to a stainless steel sink. Before doing this, put an old towel or plastic sheet under your jacket to prevent it from dripping onto the floor or countertop.
- If you have a laundry room in your home, it is ideal to put the jacket in the sink rather than the kitchen sink, especially if it is made of porcelain or fiberglass.
- If you don't have a suitable sink, take the entire pot (with the jacket inside) out and set it on the ground before removing the nylon garment.
Step 7. Rinse the jacket with warm water, gradually lowering the temperature of the fibers
This allows you to remove excess dye. If you don't have a sink to rinse it, you can do it with a garden hose, even if you won't have hot water available. Rinse the jacket until the water starts to run clear.
- When the water starts to flow clear, quickly rinse the jacket with very cold water. This will help you set the dye in the nylon fibers.
- By now, you should have removed most of the dye. However, when moving the jacket, protect it with an old towel to make sure it doesn't drip on the floor.
Step 8. Clean the workspace
Carefully pour the dye bath down the sink drain, if possible in the laundry sink. It is best to avoid throwing it in the kitchen or bathroom sink, especially if it is made of a material that can be stained (such as porcelain). Throw away any towels and plastic sheets that have become soiled with the dye during the process (or set them aside to clean them separately).
- If you don't have a sink, you can pour the dye bath into the basement floor drain.
- If you need to pour it down the toilet or tub drain, you need to clean the surface immediately with a bleach-based cleaner. If the dye dries out, it will likely leave an indelible stain.
- If you throw the dye bath outside, be sure to rinse the surface with plenty of clean water to dissolve the dye. Do not pour it on concrete or gravel, as otherwise stains will form.
Part 3 of 3: Before putting on the jacket
Step 1. Wash the freshly dyed jacket
Put it in the washing machine: wash it by itself with cold water and a normal amount of detergent. This allows you to further eliminate excess dye, so the jacket will be ready to wear, without staining the clothes it comes into contact with.
- Unless your washing machine has a stainless steel drum, this could permanently stain the inside. If this worries you, wash the jacket by hand.
- After the first wash, you should be able to put it on. However, it should still be washed alone in cold water for another two or three washes, as the dye residues could discolour.
- Before washing, always check the label and follow the instructions. If it should only be hand washed, do not put it in the washing machine.
Step 2. Let it dry
Take it out of the washing machine and put it in the dryer by setting it to a low temperature. Once it is completely dry, it should be ready to use. To prevent it from fading, let it dry on its own.
- Let it air dry rather than tumble dry if you find this instruction on the label.
- If you allow it to air dry, place an old towel under your jacket to absorb the dye, which may drip.
Step 3. Replace any accessories you removed (such as the hood, zipper pulls, or lining)
If you took them off before dyeing, you can put them back in their place. At this point, when they come into contact with the dyed fabric, the risk of them staining is minimal.
If you are concerned that contact between the dyed jacket and an accessory will cause unwanted stains, wash the garment two or three times before putting its elements back in place
Step 4. If necessary, change the buttons and zippers
If you don't like the combination of the new jacket color with that of other elements (which you haven't treated with the dye), you can change them to suit the color. Here are some examples:
- Carefully untie or cut the old zipper, then cook a new one, which should be the same length.
- Cut the thread that holds the old buttons sewn. Choose new ones, suitable for the color of the jacket, and sew them in the same position as the old ones.
Advice
- Proceed with caution and experiment with clothing you don't care too much about. The results are quite likely not what you imagined, even if the final product satisfies you.
- Put on gloves and an apron or lab coat. This way you will avoid staining your skin and clothes. Also, it is better to wear old clothes that you can ruin without problems, you never know.
