Q. What types of fabrics can I dye with RIT Dye?

A. RIT will dye most washable fabrics, including 100% cotton, linen, rayon, wool, and silk. It will also dye synthetics such as rayon, nylon, and acetate as well as fiber blends with at least 60% cotton or other dyeable fiber. (Blends will tint evenly but will not achieve full color.) There are fabrics, however, that will not accept dye, such as fabrics with 50% or more polyester, 100% acrylic, fiberglass, metallic fibers, fabrics with rubber backing or special finishes such as water-repellent fabrics with bleach damage or extensive staining, and fabrics that are washable only in cold water or labeled “dry clean only.”

Q. What other types of materials can I dye with RIT Dye?

A. RIT can be used to dye many different types of materials including wood, paper, plastic, feathers, and even canvas shoes! For specific instructions on how to dye any of these craft materials, click here.

Q. Can colored or printed fabrics be dyed?

A. Yes, colored and printed fabrics can be dyed. It's a technique called overdyeing and the existing fabric color will greatly affect the finished color results. For instance, dyeing an item that is pink with royal blue can produce purple.

Q. Do all fabrics dye to the same degree or in the same amount of time?

A. When it comes to dyeing, not all fabrics are created equal. Some dye much more quickly and will appear darker sooner than others. Most cotton, silk and nylon fabrics absorb dye very quickly. Other natural and synthetic fabrics usually take longer to reach the fullest, richest color. Old, well-washed fabrics may dye faster than new fabric.

Q. Should new fabrics or garments be washed before dyeing?

A. It is always a good idea to wash any item before dyeing to remove any finish or to remove fabric softeners. This allows the fabrics to absorb dye better and results in more accurate, even color.

Q. Are there any special techniques to get rich, dark colors?

A. The three keys to getting deep rich colors are 1) using the right amount of dye, 2) maintaining a hot water temperature, and 3) allowing adequate time for fabric in the dyebath. Follow our Tips for True Colors to get the best results for your projects.

Q. How do I determine how much dye I will need?

A. The amount of RIT Dye you’ll need depends on the dry weight of the fabric. Use one package of powder dye or 1/2 bottle (1/2 cup) of liquid dye for each pound (about 3 yards of lightweight fabric) when you dye light and medium colors. Use double the amount when dyeing very dark or bright colors.

Q. Is it necessary to wet fabric before adding to the dyebath?

A. Wetting the fabric before adding to the dyebath helps fabric absorb the dye more evenly.

Q. Why is it important to constantly stir the item while it’s in the dyebath?

A. Stirring the fabric promotes consistent exposure to the dye, resulting in “level dyeing” or even color.

Q. Why is it necessary to wear rubber gloves when dyeing?

A. Rubber gloves offer insulation from the hot water and protect hands and nails from staining.

Q. How should dyed articles be cared for?

A. It’s best to wash your dyed item by itself in cool water with a mild, non-bleaching detergent.

Q. What types of containers are best for mixing the dye solution and for the dye bath?

A. You can use glass and stainless steel containers for dissolving powder dye before adding to the dye bath container. Large stainless steel pots or heavy plastic buckets are ideal containers when dyeing small items. Your washing machine is the best choice for large, heavy items like curtains and bedspreads. You should not use a fiberglass or porous porcelain bathtub or sink for dyeing because they are very likely to become permanently stained.