How can I dye carpeting?

Maryjo
by Maryjo
  11 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 22, 2020

    There are two common methods used to dye carpet. One is by spraying the dye using a want that produces between 150 and 500 pounds of pressure. If you are performing a total color change this method can have some issues with penetration.

    The second method is to apply the dye with a rotary scrubber which has nylon bristles. The machine is moved across the carpet in an overlapping pattern so no areas are missed. You need a great deal of experience to get a professional look but the penetration is excellent and its’ the best method of the two.

    You must be sure to use professional carpet dye to ensure your carpet dye job works. Just like a bad hair dye you can get a bad carpet dye too. Fiber pro dyes are designed to work on nylon, wool, and carpets that have a stain resistant coating. The colors are bright and they are fade resistant. You need to know what the material of your carpet is and ensure that it is capable of being dyed. Because dying a carpet is a complex procedure it would be in your best interest to have a professional come into your home, have a look, and let you know if your carpet can be dyed, how well it will take, and how much it will cost.

    When the carpet dye is applied it is applied to the surface and the lightly brushed into the nap. The professional will know the exact amount of dye to apply to your carpet to obtain the color choice. To find a good professional make some calls to local carpet dealers. Remember you can use carpet dying to do touch up on spots that have had color discoloration or removal due to bleach.

    Carpet dying is truly an art form. If you are going to give it a try yourself and eliminate the cost of the professionals I encourage you to get some scrap carpet, hopefully in a similar color to what you are going to dye, and then practice, and practice some more. If you feel confident you can do it, go for it. But remember the cost of the professional might be a good investment of money because you could wreck your entire carpet.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Feb 22, 2020

    Hello. I was unsuccessful with my attempt. It might be best to contract professionals. I believe carpet fibers have anti stain properties built in the carpet fibers.

  • Nan W. Nan W. on Feb 22, 2020

    Maryjo: THAT is a HUGE commitment -- you may want to consider buying a large area rug (maybe on clearance at Home Goods?) to place over existing carpet.

  • Dale Dale on Feb 22, 2020

    I did this many years ago on carpet that really needed replacing. It turned out ok not gorgeous, but better than before.

    What we did was : thoroughly, thoroughly thoroughly vacuum. Then clean and treat spots. Clean the carpet completely, and use a carpet machine with extractor to go over it again using water only. While the rug is still damp, apply dye.

    To dye: we used liquid Rit ( there are now better/brighter dyes available online). We diluted it with water as hot as possible, stirred it / mixed it well, and put it in a sprayer. We used one from Home Depot- just the kind you use in the yard with the adjustable wand. We just sprayed the damp (not wet) carpet as evenly as possible. I think we went over it and worked the dye in with soft brushes if I remember correctly. We went over it twice and let it dry for a few days. We then checked to correct any areas that needed more color and blended them in. It was pretty even and did look better. Over time, it did fade some. I guess that you could repeat the process to brighten it up again. Good luck!!!



  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 22, 2020

    This may prove to be a difficult project with mixed results that are not as pretty as you would like them. If the carpet has had any traffic on it, it probably has dirt and stains that are barely visible to the naked eye. This wear and tear will lend uneven results as far as the stain being taken up.

    I have to agree with Vimarhonor, the carpets have stain resistant treatments that may effect your attempt at this project. Best to you.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Feb 22, 2020

    You could have professionally done, if someone local does them. For DIY:


    https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-Carpet#step-id-00

  • Peggy L Burnette Peggy L Burnette on Feb 22, 2020

    Hi Maryjo, here are some tips I hope will help you dye your carpet. Good luck.

    Tips on How to Dye Carpet | Express Flooring

    www.expressflooring.com › blog › tips-on-how-to-dye-carpet


    Jul 30, 2019 - Check the type of carpet material before carpet dyeing , because dye does not penetrate few types of carpets like thick and stain-resistant ...

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Feb 23, 2020

    Hi Maryjo,

    When I worked as a Realtor, I had a client that dyed her livingroom carpet by using a carpet shampooer. I don't have any details about her method except that she used hot water and dye instead of water in her machine. My thought was always, "What is under that carpet?" I used to wonder if there was a hardwood floor under there that was being dyed at the same time. Unfortunately, I wasn't there when the new owners ripped out the old carpet. I still wonder about that floor 30 years later. My thought is to be aware that they dye will go through the carpet so think about what is underneath. Wishing you the best.

  • Linda Linda on Feb 25, 2020

    It is pretty challenging to do yourself but here is a DIY video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aysu-7AAY_k

  • I would not do this without practicing a lot on small rugs first. There is a lot that can go wrong and then your carpet is ruined