How to Dye Nylon Tricot Material

Nylon tricot is often used in the production of lingerie.

Nylon tricot is a synthetic knit that is often used for lingerie and garment linings. Nylon and other synthetic fabrics are notoriously difficult to dye, however, with the use of an anionic dye and an iron sulfate catalyst, you can change the shade of light-colored nylon tricot garments with a few basic steps. Iron sulfate powder can be purchased at a home-improvement store, where it is sold as a fertilizer for grass and as a staining booster for concrete.To protect yourself when dying fabric, be sure to wear old clothes and protective gloves.

Things You'll Need

• Iron sulfate powder
• Water
• Large pot
• Latex gloves
• Anionic acid dye
• Stirring stick

Instructions

1. Dissolve one cup of iron sulfate powder in a gallon of water in a large pot. Heat the water on the stove until it starts to boil, then set the mixture aside.

2. Soak the nylon tricot fabric in the hot sulfate mixture for one hour.

3. Put on latex gloves. Remove the fabric from the liquid and squeeze out excess water until the fabric is damp but not dripping. Set the fabric aside. Dump the water down the sink and rinse out the pot.

4. Dissolve one packet of the anionic dye into a gallon of water on the stove using the same pot. Heat the dye mixture until it boils, then remove it from the heat.

5. Place the fabric in the pot while the water is still hot. Ensure that the fabric is fully submerged. Allow the fabric to soak for 10 minutes. Stir the liquid constantly to avoid streaks in the dye.

6. Remove the nylon tricot from the dye and rinse with cold water. Rinse the fabric until the water runs clear. Dry the fabric at a cool setting in the dryer or by air drying.

References

• Scecina Chemistry: Improving the Dyeing of Nonpolar Fabrics
• Dublin Scioto High School: The Chemistry of Dyes