Dyeing Method FAQ

Why did my fabric slightly transfer during the wash?
Tintex is a hot water direct fabric dye. Our dye is designed to work on most washable fabrics (not for 100% polyester or 100% acrylic). All-purpose fabric dyes provide bright colours, but the wash-fastness differs from other dye types.

Tintex works best on clean and damp fabric with the powder dissolved in very hot water (use a kettle or microwave to heat the water). Hot tap water is not ideal. The hand dyeing, stovetop method is the preferred technique for bright and deep colours. Use double the usual amount of dye for the dry fabric weight to get more vibrant colours.

Active dyeing times may vary from 20 or 30 minutes to an hour depending on desired results and the fabric used. You can optionally wrap your tie dye project in plastic wrap overnight if desired.
For best results, it is beneficial to wash freshly dyed items alone or with similar colours. You can also hang to dry after dyeing and optionally use an iron.

Can I use my stainless steel or other expensive cooking pots to dye fabric or use the laundry aids?
The 'stovetop dyeing technique' is the best for getting deep or bright colours because the water is heated for the duration of active dyeing. Please note that Tintex is not food grade so avoid using cooking pots for fabric dye projects.

You can always find very inexpensive pots to use at vintage or second hand/thrift shops, second hand online selling sites, or even big box stores or kitchen supply outlets. If you don't want to buy a special pot for craft projects, a suitable substitute could be a plastic bucket (you may need to adjust the water temperature).  If you decide to use a cooking pot for a 'non-food related fabric project' you will need to wash it thoroughly afterwards and you will be proceeding at your own risk.

Can I use an aluminum pot instead of enamel or stainless steel for my projects?
You can use an aluminum pot for dyeing projects. The package instructions are in a compact space so they do not list every pot type.

What is the best water temperature to use Tintex Fabric Dye?
Keep water temperatures at 140°F (example: use a kettle to heat water) when possible. Follow fabric care restrictions (example: don't dye delicate woollens in hot water). Get fabric dyeing tips.

Which fabrics will Tintex Fabric Dye work on the best? 
Tintex will renew (or change the colour) of most washable fabrics such as: cotton,linen, silk, nylon, acetate, rayon, wool, spandex and viscose. Tintex is not suitable for 100% polyester or 100% acrylic fabrics, but blends of polyester and acrylic are dyeable (example: 25% polyester & 75% cotton). You may need to adjust the water temperature and/or follow fabric care instructions for delicate materials. 

How much Tintex do I need to use? 
The amount of Tintex needed for a dyeing project depends on: fabric content, dry fabric weight and the desired colour intensity. Double the usual amount of product for darker or brighter colours. Use the list below as a basic guideline:

• Use one 32g compact box for just over half a pound of cotton, linen, silk, spandex & viscose; use two compact 32g boxes (64g) for just over half a pound of nylon, acetate, rayon & wool.
• Use one standard sized 55g box for 1-pound (454g), of cotton, linen, silk, spandex & viscose; use two standard 55g boxes for 1-pound (454g), of nylon, acetate, rayon & wool
• Our large 5-pound pail of dye for up to 80-pounds (36 kg) of fabric

What is over-dyeing? Can I dye a lighter fabric a darker colour? Do I always have to lighten everything before dyeing?
You can over-dye fabric, but the existing colour of your fabric may impact results. Example 1: if you dye light brown fabric black the results may look black or may have a slight brown undertone. Example 2: an existing red T-shirt will become purple when you use our royal blue dye without removing the colour first. Visit our fabric dye colour guide for more information about how colours relate.

Colour Remover was designed to make most fabrics cream or off white to prepare for dyeing other lighter colour. If you are dyeing a darker colour you may not need to lighten before.

How do I dye wool or delicate items that are prone to shrinking?

Create an outline before dyeing. Allow article to cool in dye bath until lukewarm, stir constantly. Thoroughly rinse in lukewarm and cool water. Squeeze gently, do not wring. Dry article flat after matching pre-dyeing outline (if needed, dye sweaters using the outline technique)  

Can I dye a printed fabric using Tintex Fabric Dye?

Dyeing fabric a similar or darker colour (as the existing print) may help the print blend in or be less noticeable. Prints will not be able to be removed through over-dyeing and Colour Remover may not be able to lighten prints.

Do I need to add soap, salt or vinegar to the dye powder?

You do not need to add anything else to our powdered dye solution, the product instructions have more info.

Do I need to manually squeeze out the water when dyeing with a washing machine?
The washing machine instructions on the Tintex box are short and more general due to space constraints. If needed, you can adapt instructions to suit your particular washing machine and/or dyeing project. If you want you can use your spin cycle. The more detailed washing machine instructions in the dyeing technique area of the website, include top and front-loaders. In general, the washing machine dyeing technique is somewhat similar between top & front loaders:

• Pre-dissolve Tintex dye solution completely and add to washing machine (top loaders require you to mix solution into the basin water and front loaders have solution added where detergent usually goes -- flush dispenser thoroughly with water after adding dye solution)
• Hot water cycles vary from 30 minutes minimum to 60 minutes maximum, darker dye colours require a longer cycle, lighter colours need a shorter cycle 
• Clean-up Immediately after dyeing with hot water and bleach, rubber or plastic parts can tint, but won't stain your laundry.