How to Use Rit Dye on Polyester
Polyester fabrics are impossible to dye without the use of dispersion dyes. Dispersion dyes sink deep into the fibers and bond with the synthetic materials. RIT dyes are dispersion dyes, but they often have difficulty adhering to synthetic fibers such as polyester. The reason that the dyes do not stick to polyester is that the polyester must be heated to a high temperature to accept new colors. Dye all polyester fabrics in a large pot on the stove to ensure the fabric accepts the dye evenly.
Things You'll Need
- Scale
- RIT disperse die
- Large pot (five gallons or larger)
- Candy thermometer
- Dye developer
- Acetic acid
- PH test strips
- Laundry detergent
Instructions
-
-
1
Weigh the fabric. Fill the pot with three gallons of water per pound of fabric. Heat the water to about 160 to 200 degrees.
-
2
Dissolve the powdered dye into the hot water. Use 1 percent dye for light colors, 2 to 3 percent for medium colors and 4 to 5 percent for deep colors.
-
-
3
Soak the polyester fabric in warm water until drenched.
-
4
Place the fabric inside the dye bath. Add 6 percent of dye developer to the liquid. Add enough acetic acid to the bath to bring the acidity to 6. Use pH test strips to determine the acidity of the dye bath.
-
5
Bring the liquid to a boil. Stir the polyester fabric inside the dye bath every two or three minutes. Continue to boil the fabric for 30 minutes.
-
6
Remove the polyester fabric from the dye bath and rinse with hot water. Continue to rinse the fabric until the water runs clear. Wash the fabric with laundry detergent to remove any remaining traces of dye.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When working with dyes, always take any necessary precautions, such as wearing protective gloves.
Never use materials for cooking or eating that have been used for dyeing.
References
- Photo Credit Kim Steele/Photodisc/Getty Images
