Dyeing Problem FAQ

• It could be a case of using not enough product. Using too little dye will make lighter colours. It is important to use enough Tintex for your fabric content and dry fabric weight. Double the usual amount for darker or brighter colours (example: black or royal blue). Get more fabric dyeing tips.
• Use one 55g box Tintex box dyes 1-pound (454g), of cotton, linen, silk, spandex & viscose; Use two 55g boxes (110g) dyes 1-pound (454g), of nylon, acetate, rayon & wool 

Dyeing needs to be done long enough and fabric needs to be constantly moved around in the dye bath. Fabric may need anywhere from 20-60 minutes to achieve the darkest or brightest colour.  For brighter colours be sure to use hot enough water (ex: heat water to 140°F with a kettle).

Follow fabric care label and adjust water temperature as needed for delicate materials. The stove-top method produces more intense colour results (ex: dye bath is heated for the duration of the DIY project). When tie dyeing, you can wrap your dyeing project in plastic wrap and set aside for a few hours or overnight.

Fabric needs to be clean and damp before applying dye. Special finishes can effect how a fabric takes dye; prints may not dye either. Fabric must be compatible with our product; 100% polyester or 100% acrylic fabric are not suitable for Tintex and will dye very light or not at all.

Why does my dyed fabric look blotchy, uneven or have tiny specks of other colours showing through?
If the dye powder wasn't dissolved properly with very hot water (example: use a kettle or microwave) before you applied it to your material you may have undesired results. 

• For your next sample, ensure that all of the powder has been dissolved before dyeing (ex: use a clear measuring cup to mix the hot water & dye powder). 
• Use a different technique that uses heated water that can stay 140 Fahrenheit/60 Celsius for the duration of dyeing (ex: the stove-top method is the best for getting deep/bright colours).

If your fabric was not agitated (moved around) enough in the dye bath the material can be blotched or striped. If the fabric wasn't completely covered in the dye bath the results may end up uneven.

• While dyeing times may vary from 20-60 minutes, the material must always still be completely covered in the dye bath (this is not necessary for ombre or dip dyeing techniques). 

Occasionally, special finishes or prints can interfere with dyeing results and stop the absorption of Tintex. For best results, wash fabric before (avoid fabric softener) even if  your fabric is 'new'. Unfortunately, there are some cases where material may not dyed using a home process.

Bleached or lighter areas may still appear lighter than the entire article, even after piece dyeing. You could spot treat fabric or try to lighten the entire article before piece dyeing the fabric. If possible, try and lighten your fabric evenly using the product that created the spot in the first place (or try Colour Remover). If you decide to use Colour Remover, you must make sure all of the bleach is removed from the fabric; wash thoroughly to prepare and follow package or website directions. 

Using extra dye with very hot water for a prolonged period (60 minutes) will help increase the depth or brightness of your preferred colour. Double the usual amount for darker or brighter colours.