How to Dye a Nylon Umbrella
Nylon is a synthetic fiber that reacts well with acid dyes used for protein fibers like wool or silk. Acid dyes require heat setting to become permanent. However, the traditional methods of microwaving or immersion in a canning kettle or vegetable steamer are not practical for an umbrella. The solution is the use of a clothing steamer. When preparing for this project, set aside at least an hour or more since you have to steam each panel individually.
Things You'll Need
- Dish washing detergent
- Water
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Acid dye
- Drop cloth
- Sponge brush
- Clothing steamer
- Garden hose
Instructions
-
-
1
Wash and rinse the outside of the umbrella with dish washing detergent and water.
-
2
Mix a solution of half white vinegar, half water in a spray bottle.
-
-
3
Spray the solution on the umbrella, thoroughly soaking the surface.
-
4
Prepare the acid dye according to manufactures instructions for flow painting dye. These instructions use ounces, not gallons of water.
-
5
Allow the dye to cool to room temperature before applying. Acid dyes must be prepared with boiling water.
-
6
Lie down a drop cloth on the work surface.
-
7
Open the umbrella. If you want to create a tie-dyed appearance, leave the umbrella closed and secure it tightly.
-
8
Dip a sponge brush into the dye and brush it on the outside of the umbrella. You can paint each panel a different color, or streak several colors together. The dyes bleed into each other, creating a new color at their intersection. For example; painting a blue dye and a yellow dye next to each other creates a thin green streak between them, where the two dyes flow together.
-
9
Turn on your clothing steamer and allow the water to heat up. When steam begins to come out of the nozzle, the steamer is ready to use.
-
10
Hold the steamer 6 inches away from the umbrella panel.
-
11
Steam each panel for 10 minutes to set the dye.
-
12
Take the umbrella outside and rinse the umbrella with a garden hose until the water runs clear.
-
13
Wash the umbrella with dish washing detergent to remove any dye clinging to the umbrella hardware. Wash the inside and outside of the umbrella.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Only nylon umbrellas, not treated with a water repellent, accept dye. If water beads on the surface of the umbrella, you can not dye the umbrella.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
