How to Dye a Vinyl Tablecloth

Vinyl tablecloths are perfect for households with children whose dinner might not always stay on their plates. These tablecloths catch spills and stains, making them relatively easy for you to clean up. If you have a vinyl tablecloth that's looking a bit worse for the wear or that simply needs a bit of a makeover, you can easily dye the tablecloth a new color. This project will take up to an hour to complete, and 12 hours to dry, but it will provide a fresh looking tablecloth.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vinyl tablecloth
• Newspaper
• Well-ventilated room
• Soap and water
• Cloth
• Vinyl dye
• Face mask

Dyeing a Vinyl Tablecloth

1. Cover your work surface with several layers of newspaper or another covering that you don't mind staining. Open the windows and doors to make sure the room is well ventilated. Working on the floor of the garage with the garage door open is ideal.

2. Lay the tablecloth flat on the work surface. Clean it with soap and water to make sure that the cloth is free of dirt and debris, and then dry it. If there is a breeze, you might need to secure the corners of the tablecloth to your work surface with duct tape rolled up and stuck to the underside of the cloth.

3. Shake the can of vinyl dye well before applying. Put on a face mask to avoid inhaling the fumes from the dye.

4. Standing over the tablecloth, spray the dye in an even coat at a distance of several feet. You might need to apply three or four coats. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the dye to dry between coats.

5. Allow the tablecloth to dry for 12 to 24 hours before you use it again.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are dying a dark surface with a lighter color, you might need to dye it white first, allowing the white coat to dry for twelve hours before you apply the colored dye.

Resources

• Dye and Paint - Vinyl Dyes