Things You'll Need
Dress
Large sink or bucket
Hot water
Stirring utensil
Fabric dye
Hanger
Towel(s)
Although wedding gowns are traditionally white or ivory in color, some brides want to have a dress that is a different color. Other brides want to change the color of the dress after the wedding to have something that they can wear to other occasions. While coloring a wedding dress is something that should be done very carefully, it can be accomplished at home through a few steps.
Step 1
Purchase at least two bottles of clothing dye for a short-to-medium length dress. A longer dress will require four or more bottles of clothing dye. One brand of clothing dye is Rit dye and can be purchased at most grocery stores, drug stores and fabric stores.
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Step 2
Fill a large sink or very large container with extremely hot water. You want to use a container or sink that is large enough to hold the dress easily and is something that you don't mind staining or that is stain proof, such as a stainless steel sink or large metal bucket or bin.
Step 3
Add the clothing dye and stir until mixed completely in the water. Make sure the water is very hot.
Step 4
Thoroughly wet the dress with clean hot water (not the water with the dye). You want the entire dress to be wet. Place the dress into the sink or container with the dye.
Step 5
Stir the dress around in the container continuously for 30 minutes or more. Add more hot water if the water starts to cool.
Step 6
Remove the dress and rinse in hot water for several minutes. Gradually begin to cool the water until the water is cold and running clear. This will help seal in the dye.
Step 7
Hang the dress up to dry in a well ventilated area. Place towels or a container underneath the dress to catch any dripping water.
Tip
Note that many wedding gowns are made out of delicate fabric, such as silk, and could get damaged if submerged in water. Check the tag of the dress to see if it says "Dry Clean Only." If so, check with a professional seamstress or dry cleaning store for advice prior to dying the fabric to avoid causing damage to the dress.
Warning
Use caution with hot water to avoid burning yourself. In addition, be certain that you wish to change the color of the wedding dress because it cannot be returned to its original color once you have dyed it.
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