Fabric Dyeing Tips

Our all-purpose hot water dye is suitable for most washable fabrics: cotton, linen, silk, nylon, acetate, rayon, wool and viscose.

Start with clean and damp fabric; prepare your material by washing (avoid using fabric softener).Completely dissolve dye powder in very hot water; temperatures of 140°F (60°C) are ideal for Tintex. You may need to adjust the temperature for delicate fabric. Hand dyeing is the best way to test dye colour and control intensity. Always exercise caution while dyeing with heated water and supervise children.

• Suitable Fabric: Tintex is not suitable for 100% Acrylic or 100% Polyester fabrics. Dyeing fabric bends is possible; to achieve the best dyeing results at least 40% of the fabric should composed of a suitable dyeing material (blends with higher amounts of acrylic or polyester will dye much lighter).
• Pre Dissolve Dye: Completely dissolve dye solution: thoroughly mix dye powder with a cup or two (250ml to 500ml) of very hot water (ex: use a kettle to heat water). Add the pre-dissolved dye solution to your dye bath (ex: bowl, sink, bucket). Avoid uneven dyeing; only add your fabric once all the dye solution is thoroughly mixed.
• Agitation Helps Fabric Absorb Dye: For the best results, your prepared material needs to be completely submerged and moving in your dye bath, for the duration of dyeing. Active dying times may vary from 20 - 60 minutes depending on fabric content and/or desired colour intensity. 
• Rinse Well After Dyeing: Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear,  first rinse with warm water (if suitable for your fabric) and then rinse with cool water. After dyeing wash with warm water (if suitable for your fabric) and detergent/laundry soap of choice.
• Get Creative: You can use different tools and techniques to create different patterns: try painting stencils, spray/squeeze bottle application, dip-dyeing, or tie dyeing (ex: fold, pleat, swirl or crumple fabric before dyeing) methods.

AMOUNT OF TINTEX ADJUSTS COLOUR: 

The amount of Tintex needed for any project depends on the fabric content, weight and the desired colour intensity for your project. Use less dye to make pastels and use more dye for darker or brighter colours. The Dye Colour Guide has more information. Make new dyes by mixing a few colours together; test colour before dyeing on a white paper towel or a small piece of your material. Adjust amount of Tintex as needed.

Standard Amount of Tintex Varies:

• 32g compact Tintex box for just over half a pound of cotton, linen, silk, spandex & viscose fabric and double this quantity for the same amount of nylon, acetate, rayon & wool.
• 50g (available at selected Dollarama) and 55g standard size Tintex box for 1-pound (454g) of cotton, linen, silk, spandex & viscose fabric and double this quantity for the same amount of nylon, acetate, rayon & wool.