Using Rit Dye (or similar product)
by
Kathy Jones
+8
I have a great rocking chair I found at Goodwill for only $12! As you can see, it looks fine the color it is but I would like to have it a little deeper, maybe rose color. What is so great about it is the entire cover comes off and you can throw it in the washer. What I was wondering is, has anyone used Rit Dye or any other fabric dye to color something and how did it turn out. I can live with it the color it is but would really, really love it if it was a little darker. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
8 answers
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I have used the Rit Dye product before on curtains, faded clothes (that I could not live w/out) and even certain style baskets I used to make. Everything I have used it on has turned out just great. The one thing I liked about the dye is that I could control the intensity of color by taking the item out when I thought is was dark enough, etc. Hey, for $12 for the cute chair you should try it! Deep Rose or Maroon, it depends on where you are going to use it in your decor...Happy Dying!! There's just something wrong about saying that...Good Luck with the project...that's better.
P.K. McLendon
on Nov 06, 2013
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I never find anything even close to that nice when I look. I also say go for it. Rit has some great instructions online too.
Sheryll S
on Nov 07, 2013
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The fabric needs lots of room to move around or you get streaks.
Tabbitha Smith
on Nov 07, 2013
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The secret to a great dye job is to get the fabric wet BEFORE adding the dye. It's easy to do in the washer. Wash your slipcover, remove it from washer. Start wash cycle with HOT WATER (it sets the dye), add dye. Then add the fabric and let it finish the cycle. Use an extra rinse, COLD water only. Run your washer again on the rinse, again with cold water only. Remove and dry fabric. Clean washer by running it empty with a cup of white vinegar. Works great! Use 2X the dye recommended on the package if you are dying dark colors.
Jessica C
on Nov 07, 2013
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Thanks, Jessica! I have an HD front load washer. Do I need to go to the laundramat to do this or can I do it in my washer? (Sorry for being so ignorant.)
Kathy Jones
on Nov 07, 2013
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My concern is not the dye but the temperature of the water you will be washing/dying/rinsing the slipcover in. Some slipcovers are very prone to shrinkage and I would hate to see you achieve the beautiful shade you want only to find out the slipcover no longer fits because it shrank during the dying process. To avoid shrinkage, many slipcovers require a cold water wash, air dry until damp, and then put the slipcover back on while it is still damp. Do you know the fabric content? Can you tell if the slipcover has ever been washed before? If it has, it has likely shrunk all it is going to shrink but I would still be careful about using hot water and I would avoid putting it in a hot dryer.
Shari
on Nov 07, 2013
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Shari, I washed it the night I bought it. I washed it in cold water and put it in the dryer and it seems to be ok. I don't think I will be able to dye it in my washer so I think I will for over to my son's and use his since it is still an old school type washer. Hopefully it will come out ok. I've just never tried to dye anything before and didn't know how difficult it was to do. Thanks for the info!
Kathy Jones
on Nov 07, 2013
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One more variable is the content of the fabric. If it's "natural" (cotton, linen, etc.), it will accept the dye and change color. If it's synthetic, or a combination of natural and synthetic, it's a whole different ball game. The fabric MIGHT take the dye and change color, or it might not, or it might partially accept the dye.
Marilyn Highley
on Nov 07, 2013
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