How to Dye a Satin Purse

The color of a purse can be changed with dye.

Satin is used to make clothing, home furnishings and accessories such as purses. Satin is a fragile weave composed of various materials. It is often made from synthetic, or man-made, fiber content like polyester or acetate. Silk is also used, which is a natural fiber content. Determine the composition of your satin purse by looking at the label. Its material will determine the process and type of dye for changing the color of your satin purse.

Things You'll Need

• Fiber-reactive or acid dye
• Disperse dye
• Dye carrier
• Water
• Distilled white vinegar
• Synthrapol
• Soda ash or dye activator
• Nylon stockings
• Stainless steel pot
• Scissors
• Lighter or match

Instructions

Dyeing Silk, Rayon and Nylon-Based Satin

1. Choose a fiber-reactive or acid dye for a silk-, rayon- or nylon-based satin purse. Pour hot water into a pot large enough for your purse to set in. Use the correct dye and water portion by following the dye package instructions.

2. Mix the contents of the dye package with 2 cups of water. Allow the contents to dissolve, pour the mixture into the pot of water and stir.

3. Run hot water on all surfaces of the satin purse. Add the purse to the pot of water. Simmer the pot of dye mixture for five minutes.

4. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the dye to ensure complete color saturation. Simmer and stir the dye for approximately 25 more minutes.

5. Remove the purse from the dye and rinse with warm water. Switch to cooler water as the water leaving the purse runs clear. Pour the dye out and clean the pot with bleach. Allow the satin purse to dry before you use it.

Dyeing Polyester and Acetate-Based Satin

1. Choose a disperse dye if the satin purse is composed of polyester or acetate. Wash the purse in hot water, 1/2 tsp. of soda ash (or dye activator) and 1/2 tsp. of synthrapol to remove any debris. Do not dry the purse.

2. Dissolve the powdered disperse dye in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir the dye and allow it to sit until it cools to room temperature. The amount of dye needed is determined by the intensity of color you would like and the size of the bag. Refer to the dye's package instructions for correct amounts. Strain the dye once it has cooled, using two layers of nylon stockings.

3. Mix 2 tbsp. of carrier with 1 cup of boiling water. In a stainless steel pot, combine 1/2 tsp. of synthrapol, 11 tsp. of distilled white vinegar, the diluted carrier, the strained disperse dye and 2 1/2 gallons of water. Stir after adding each ingredient.

4. Add the damp satin purse to a stainless steel pot. Stir the mixture constantly and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the color intensity.

5. Heat a pot of water to at least 180 degrees while the purse is simmering. When it is done simmering, remove the purse from the dye and set it in the hot water. Sitting the purse in the hot water will remove any foul odors created by the dyeing process.

6. Pour out the dye mixture and refill it with water that is heated to 160 degrees. Mix 1/2 tsp. synthrapol into the hot water. Remove the satin purse from the other pot of hot water and transfer it to the synthrapol and water mixture. Stir the mixture occasionally for five to 10 minutes.

7. Rinse the satin purse in hot water. If there is still a smell produced from the dyeing process, set the satin purse in a pot of hot water and then transfer it to the hot water and synthrapol mixture again until the smell is gone.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unable to locate a tag within your purse outlining its material, cut a small piece of the satin from an area that will not be seen. Burn the fabric and interpret the results on websites such as Griffin Dye Works or Ditzy Prints.

References

• Paula Burch: FAQ: How Can I Dye Satin or Charmeuse?; February 7, 2009
• Lord of the Rings Costume: Changing the Color of Fabrics / Dye Your Fabrics; November 23, 2009
• Rit Dye: Stovetop
• Paula Burch: Dyeing Polyester With Disperse Dyes

Resources

• Rit Dye: Tips for Success
• Dharma Trading Company: Information Center
• Griffin Dye Works & Fiber Arts: Burn Test
• Ditzy Prints: Fiber Burn Chart