How to Change the Color of Nylon

Change the color of tights, leotards or any white or light-colored nylon fabric.

Nylon is a fabric that accepts dyes very well and can be dyed very easily. To dye nylon, you do not have to use expensive, time consuming or difficult to use dyes; instead, all you need is some acid dye, which can be found at any arts and crafts store. But for the best results, always start with a white or very light-colored nylon fabric to get the truest color possible.

Things You'll Need

• Drain stopper
• 3 gallons hot water
• Rubber gloves
• 1/4 cup liquid acid dye
• Wooden spoon
• Plastic tarp or garbage bag

Instructions

1. Plug your sink's drain with a drain stopper, then fill up your sink with 3 gallons of hot water. Do not dye your nylon in a sink made of plastic or fiberglass as it will stain.

2. Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from staining while "agitating" the fabric in Step 4.

3. Pour 1/4 cup of liquid acid dye into the sink. Keep in mind that nylon accepts dyes very well; for this reason, do not add more than 1/4 cup of the dye to water as this can overdye the fabric.

4. Place your nylon fabric into the sink. Agitate the fabric with your hands or a wooden spoon for the first 10 minutes of dyeing time.

5. Allow the fabric to soak in the dye bath for 30 to 45 minutes or until you're pleased with the color.

6. Place a plastic tarp or garbage bag onto the work surface next to the sink. Remove the fabric from the dye bath and place it on the tarp/bag to cool down for several minutes.

7. Rinse the nylon fabric under cool water to seal the color in and remove excess dyes from the material. Dry the fabric as usual.

References

• Rit Dyeing Techniques: Tips for Success
• Rit Dyeing Techniques: Sink or Bucket Dying