How to Dye Baskets

Wood and wicker baskets can be easily dyed with acid dye.

It's very easy to find white and brown baskets at any arts-and-crafts store, but if you're looking for more colorful ones, you may run into some trouble finding them. Instead of wasting time finding the perfectly colored basket, consider dyeing a plain basket. With all-purpose acid dyes, you can successfully dye any basket any color you like. This way, you can customize exactly how you'd like your brand new basket to look.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic tarp or garbage bag
• Latex gloves
• Fine sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• All-purpose powder acid dye
• Small bowl
• 2 cups hot water
• Plastic spoon
• Paint brushes or cotton cloths

Instructions

1. Place a plastic tarp or garbage bag over your work surface to protect it from staining. Also, put on a pair of rubber or latex gloves to protect your hands from staining, as well.

2. Sand your basket using a piece of fine sandpaper. Sanding your basket will make sure the dye adheres to the wood. Wipe off the dust with a tack cloth.

3. Pour one package of all-purpose powder acid dye into a small bowl. Add 2 cups of very hot tap water to the bowl to dissolve the powder dye. Stir the dye using a plastic spoon to ensure the powder has been completely dissolved.

4. Apply the dye to the basket by brushing it on using a bristle paint brush or foam brush, or you can wipe on the dye with a cotton cloth. Apply the dye evenly over the entire basket.

5. Allow the basket to dry -- about 40 minutes -- then repeat Step 4 to darken the color, if necessary.

6. Allow the basket to dry for 24 hours before using it.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep the dye hot to allow it to penetrate the wood better. Place plastic wrap over your bowl of dye and microwave it for one to two minutes every 10 minutes to keep it hot.

• After the basket has been dyed and dried, add one to two coats of polyurethane to seal in the dye.

References

• Rit Dye: Dyeing Wood and Wicker