How to Mix Dye for Squirt Bottles

Pour mixed dyes into spray bottles for application and storage.

A dye is a substance used to add or change the color of an object. Dyes can be derived from natural substances or created synthetically. Use fabric dyes to add color to fabric items such as clothing, sheets, pillowcases or tablecloths. These dyes also work on yarn and paper. Mix your dyes first in small plastic cups and then transfer the colors to spray bottles. Spray bottles will allow you to have more control over the application of the dye.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic garbage bags
• Old clothes
• Rubber gloves
• Plastic cups
• Fabric dye
• Hot water
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Plastic spoons
• Permanent marker
• Warm soapy water
• Clean water
• Paper towel
• Masking tape
• Spray bottles
• Plastic funnel

Instructions

1. Cover a work surface with plastic garbage bags to protect it from stains if the dye is spilled. Wear old clothes that you won't mind staining. Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from the dye.

2. Set out large plastic cups on top of the plastic covered work surface. Set out one cup for each color of dye.

3. Pull out the packages of fabric dyes. Read all instructions, mixing directions and warnings on the labels before opening.

4. Fill each plastic cup with one cup of hot water. Use measuring cups to measure the correct amount of water into each cup.

5. Measure one teaspoon of the chosen color of fabric dye if it's in powder form, and two teaspoons of the fabric dye if it's in liquid form. Measure the dye with measuring spoons. Add the dye to the water in the plastic cup.

6. Stir the dye into the water using a plastic spoon. Mix the solution until the powder dye is completely dissolved or the liquid dye is thoroughly dispersed in the water. Write the color of the dye on the outside of the cup with a permanent marker.

7. Repeat the mixing process with the remaining dye colors you wish to make. Swish the measuring spoons in warm soapy water between measuring each new color of dye. Rinse the spoons in clean water and dry them with a paper towel. Use a new plastic spoon to mix each color of dye to avoid contaminating the colors.

8. Remove the sprayer from an empty, clean spray bottle. Place a plastic funnel in the bottle's opening. Poor the cup of mixed dye carefully into the funnel's cup to transfer the dye into the bottle.

9. Remove the funnel from the bottle. Wipe the opening of the bottle with a paper towel to clean off any spilled or splattered dye droplets. Replace the nozzle onto the bottle, screwing it on tightly.

10. Place a piece of masking tape on the outside of the spray bottle. Write the color of the dye on the surface of the tape with a marker to create a label. Wash the funnel in warm soapy water before transferring another color of dye to another spray bottle.

References

• TextileSchool.com: Types of Printing Dyes