How to Steam Set Silk Dye Using a Microwave Oven

Microwaving silk dyes can be used for silk painting or other small craft projects.

Silk is a natural fiber that was held as a Chinese trade secret for many years. According to The Silk Association of Great Britain, the Chinese discovered how to make silk when a silkworm cocoon fell into Princess Xi Ling Shi's cup of tea in 2640 B.C. It wasn't until Roman Emperor Justinian sent monks to China in 552 A.D. to find how silk was made that anyone outside China knew the secret of silk making. Silk can be easily dyed at home using natural dyes. One fast and easy method is to steam set silk dye using a microwave oven.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Microwave safe container
• Silk scarf
• Silk dye
• Plastic wrap
• Glass
• Oven mitts
• Silk safe detergent

Instructions

1. Mix one part white vinegar to two parts water in a microwave safe container, such as glass. Add the silk scarf or other small silk item. Use a white or light colored silk scarf for this project. Be sure it is completely submerged in the liquid or you will need to add more.

2. Remove the silk scarf and squeeze out the excess liquid. Dump out the liquid from the container. Place the scarf back into the container.

3. Apply the dye as desired. It can be poured or painted on with an artist's brush. Completely seal the container with microwave safe plastic wrap. Place a full glass of water into the corner of the microwave, and place the container in the center.

4. Microwave on high for three minutes in a 700 watt microwave. For a 500 watt microwave, microwave for four minutes. Remove the container with oven mitts, and allow it to cool completely.

5. Rinse the dyed silk scarf in cold running water in the sink to remove any excess dye. Once the water runs clear, rinse with warm and then hot water. Wash the silk scarf with a capful of silk safe detergent used in dyeing projects.

6. Add 4 tbsp. of white vinegar per gallon of cold water for a final rinse of the dyed silk. Lay it flat to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• The silk can also be steamed in a large pot.

• Food coloring can be substituted for silk dye in this project.

• Be sure to iron the silk using a cool setting.

• Do not handle the microwaved container without oven mitts.

References

• The Silk Association of Great Britain: The History of Silk
• Silk Painting Instructions: Silk Painting With Opulence Reactive Dyes

Resources

• All About Hand Dyeing: How to Dye Silk