How to Dye Tablecloths Made of Polyester

Dyeing polyester tablecloths is not a project for a novice dyer. Unlike cotton or silk, which can be dyed relatively easily with fiber-reactive dyes, polyester requires special dyes that must be heated past the boiling point of water to be effective. To get this level of heat, special chemicals are needed, which produce noxious fumes and must be handled with care.

Things You'll Need

• Polyester tablecloth
• Washing machine
• Synthrapol textile detergent, 3 tsp. per pound of fabric
• 1/2 tsp. PRO Dye Activator or soda ash
• PROsperse Disperse dye
• Water
• Old pantyhose or sheer scarf
• 2 tbsp. PRO Dye Carrier NSC
• Two large stainless steel pots
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• Stainless steel spoon or wooden dowel

Instructions

1. Wash the polyester tablecloth in a hot washing machine load. Use 3 tsp. Synthrapol textile detergent per pound of fabric and 1/2 tsp. PRO Dye Activator or soda ash to prepare the tablecloth and remove any unwanted oil, dirt or protective coatings that might interfere with the dyeing process. You do not need to dry the tablecloth after washing; you can leave it damp.

2. Dissolve dye powder in 1 cup of boiling water. The amount of dye used depends on the shade desired. Stir thoroughly to reduce any granules of dye that may remain, and strain through old pantyhose or a sheer silk scarf. Mix 2 tbsp. of dye carrier into another cup of boiling water.

3. Fill a stainless steel pot with 2 1/2 gallons of hot water. Add 1/2 tsp. Synthrapol, then 1/4 cup white vinegar. Stir thoroughly, then add the diluted dye carrier and stir again. Finally, add the dissolved dye powder and continue to stir. Meanwhile, fill a second stainless steel pot with water and set it on an adjacent stove burner.

4. Add the polyester tablecloth to the dye bath, and turn the stove on high to raise the temperature to boiling as fast as possible. Stir continuously with a steel spoon or wooden dowel to ensure that the fabric dyes smoothly. Boil the fabric for at least 30 minutes, or longer for darker shades. As you dye the fabric, heat the second pot of water to a low simmer (at least 180 degrees).

5. Remove the tablecloth from the dye bath when it is the shade you want, and immediately submerge it in the second pot. It is very important to rinse the tablecloth in hot water so that crystals of the dye carrier do not form in the cloth. While the tablecloth is soaking in the second pot, drain the first pot, refill it with hot water and turn it on medium heat. Add a small amount of Synthrapol to this pot, then transfer the tablecloth to it and wash thoroughly. Continue the process by heating water in the second pot and transferring the tablecloth back and forth, until it is thoroughly rinsed and there is no detectable odor. At this point, the dye is set, and the tablecloth can be used normally.

Tips & Warnings

• Never reuse dyeing utensils in food preparation. Wear old clothing and, if possible, rubber gloves while attempting this process. Work in a well-ventilated area.

References

• Dyeing with Disperse Dye
• Immersion Dyeing Polyester

Resources

• ProChem Disperse Dyes
• Aljo Dyes