Polyester fabrics are made from synthetics or made from human-made fibers. Traditionally polyester dye is very difficult. It is possible to dye according to the correct method. To dye polyester fibers, you need to find the best fabric dye for polyester. Dyes that work well in polyester are made specifically for polyester fibers.
Hot water dyeing technique is used to dye polyester fabrics, and sometimes the stovetop method is used.
It has many advantages; it is very durable, low price, and some other reasons why it is preferred. Polyester dress is quite comfortable in humid and wet weather.
Polyester fabrics can be washed repeatedly; there is no fear of color fading, so nowadays, many people try to dye polyester fabrics and color to their liking.
Related:
Here is an article for you if you are looking for the best cotton dye.
Polyester is currently a trendy material. Due to the success and popularity of polyester in the garment industry, many people want to know how to dye polyester, and also what type of dye is used in polyester fabrics.
Before dying, you need to learn how to dye polyester fabrics, and the most important thing is to know which dye can be used in polyester fiber.
Let’s learn which dye is suitable for polyester:
Disperse dye for polyester
Disperse dyes were first made to dye cellulose, acetate type fabrics, and it dissolves easily in water. Nowadays disperse dyes are mainly used for dyeing polyester fabrics; it is also used for dyeing nylon and acrylic fibers.
In some cases, dyeing requires a temperature of 130 degrees Celsius, and a pressurized dye-bath is required. Polyester dyeing requires a high temperature. Disperse dye is the only specialized dye for polyester fabrics.
We have reviewed some products for you, which are the best fabric dye for polyester. Please take a look…
Here is the full review of Best Fabric Dye for Polyester:
1. Rit 2492 DyeMore Advanced Liquid Dye for Polyester:
Synthetic fabrics are quite difficult to dye, so using this dye in the Stovetop method will help keep the temperature right during the dyeing process. Unlike other Rit dyes, it cannot be used in washing machines.
These dyes are available in several colors, and there are many coloring recipes on the Rit’s website for mixing dyes and creating unique colors. It works best on polyester fabrics and fabrics that have synthetic content above 35%.
Pros:
- Multi color
- Specially for polyester
- 250+ color recipe
- Easy to use
- Can dye nylon, acrylic, acetate
Cons:
- Can’t be used in a washing machine
2. Jacquard Products iDye Poly Synthetic Dye Fabric:
Each packet weighs 14 grams and is available in a variety of colors. With one pack of dye, you can dye 3 pounds of fabric.
Jacquard Products iDye Poly Synthetic Dye fabric is used to dye 100% polyester and nylon fibers and synthetic blended fabrics. It is used in the stovetop method. Follow the instructions and dyeing techniques with the packet for the best color or visit www.jacquardproducts.com
Pros:
- Can dye most synthetic fabric, polyester, nylon, acetate
- Can dye some plastic also
- Intense color
Cons:
- Can’t be used in washing machines
3. Rit 02640 Dyemore, 7 oz, Midnight Navy:
Re-create faded clothes in your own color. Rit’s website has 250+ color recipes from where you can choose the color of your choice. Create something unique using a simple dye technique to your likings, like dip-dyed, shibori, or tie-dye pattern.
Synthetic fabrics are quite complicated to dye, so stainless steel pots should be used in the stovetop method to keep the temperature consistency when dyeing polyester.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- You can get vibrant color
- 250+ color recipe
- Dye anything with more than 35% synthetic fabrics
Cons:
- Wear protective glass
- Chemical substance
4. Rit DyeMore Liquid Dye, Tropical Teal:
Dyeing polyester fabric is a challenging task, and you need to know the right process. Due to the complexity of the polyester fabric, the stovetop method must be used, and a stainless steel pot must be used for high-temperature maintenance.
It can be used to dye old synthetic fabrics, polyester, household items. It is non-toxic.
If you want to dye less than 35% synthetic fabric, you can use Rit All-Purpose Dye.
Pros:
- Good for polyester fabrics
- Can dye acrylic, acetate or nylon.
- 250+ color recipe
- Non-toxic
Cons:
- Not suitable for cellulose fabrics like cotton
- Don’t use the washing machine
How to dye polyester:
Before you dye polyester fabrics, you should know first that polyester dyes are made with chemicals, and these types of chemicals can be deadly sometimes. Polyester dyeing processes require incredibly high water temperatures.
Thankfully the dye recipe is much more advanced than before, and some companies have brought some dyes to the market with special formulas for dyeing polyester fabric at home.
Polyester can never be dyed in dark colors, and polyester is not such a fabric. It can usually be given light-dark shades. People see it as the fault of the dye, but it is actually a problem of polyester fabric. Several polyester fabrics have a permanent press finish, so it is possible to dye polyester successfully only if you can remove it. This will be discussed below.
The only simple method is dip dyeing; it is not possible to dye polyester in the tie-dye method due to high-temperature requirements. It’s not like you can’t do tie-dye, but it’s tough. For those who dye at home, doing so will be a lot of trouble. The washing machine method is a good method of dip-dyeing, but due to the high heat requirement, it is not possible for polyester.
There are not too many steps, but all the steps have to be followed very carefully, and only then you can create a nice colorful polyester fabric.
Follow the step below:
Different fabric fibers give the best results using specific dyes made for them. Make sure the fabric you choose is 100% polyester or polyester blend.
We have discussed the best dyes for polyester above, choose the right dye for your polyester fabric. You can select RitDyMore or Jacquard iDye poly for an easy and simple process.
The instructions provided by the dye manufacturing company for fabric dye is your most important information. Every company’s dye-making formula is different; when you dye the fabric, you can get good results just by following their instructions.
Choose a large looking dye pot, so that there is enough space in the pot and you can move it easily. One thing to keep in mind is that the dye pot must be made of high heat resistant stainless steel.
You will need a thermometer, die pot, protective wear, and a variety of chemical and measuring cups, a few tablespoons when pre-washing polyester. Before dyeing, the polyester should be washed well so that the dirt or oil on the fabric does not cause any problem. You will need synthrapol textile detergent for pre-wash.
You can use soda-ash instead of synthrapol detergent. It often gives good results. Some additional chemical substances may be required for the actual dyeing process.
The condensed dye mixture should be prepared in advance, then you will add it to the large dye bath. Measure the dye powder according to your needs by looking at the manufacturer’s instructions. Make a paste with a small amount of cold water and then dissolve in a cup of hot water. Keep stirring until cool.
You need to prepare your diluted solution of dye carrier. Measure the correct amount of carrier solution by looking at the manufacturer’s instructions and add a cup of boiling water to it.
Now that you have the required supplies, you need to wash the polyester fabric. This should be done in very hot water with synthrapol or soda ash. It will wash away all the dirt and oil that would have been harmful to the dye bonding with the fiber.
Now that both your polyester fabric and dye are ready for the dye bath add enough hot water so that your fabric can move well. And then, you add the necessary auxiliary chemicals to the water.
If you use disperse dye, then you need to add some additional chemicals because pro chemical prosperse auxiliary chemicals are not pre-mixed. You will need to disperse, a carrier, white vinegar or citric acrid, synthrapol and PRO activator, or soda ash.
Now add your polyester fabric to the dye bath and keep stirring everything. Constant movement will prevent stains and bring good dyeing results.
For darker shades, boil for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, and stir frequently. After boiling in the right amount, the dye will be set on the fabric.
Once the dye fabric is set through the dye bath, move to the rinse pot and stir in the rinse pot for a while. Rinse with warm water to remove excess dyes that stick to the fabric.
Dry your polyester fabric. After drying, you will get a permanent color like the polyester you bought from the store.
Buying guide for polyester dye:
Dyeing polyester can be more difficult and tactical than natural fabrics. There are very few dyes that work well in polyester. Some dyes work in both polyester and cotton, but good results depend on how much polyester blend the fabric has.
Most fabric dyes and special formula dyes made for synthetic fibers are quite cheap in price. Many dyes can be dyed up to 3 pounds of fabric with one packet. These packets are much cheaper. Many clothes can be dyed for 5 to 10 dollars. “Jacquard Products iDye Poly Synthetic Dye fabric” is also a low-cost dye, it is possible to dye 3 pounds polyester fabric in one packet.
Polyester dye is available in different colors, and you can choose any color of your choice. You will find many color recipes on the manufacturer’s website. You can create color shades or color tones of your choice. “Rit 2492 DyeMore Advanced Liquid Dye for Polyester” This dye has 250+ color recipes on their website. Perfect color can be created very quickly.
As you have read so far, polyester dyeing is quite a complex task, and some bad-smelling chemicals are used in this type of dye recipe. If you just want to dye polyester fabric, then hopefully by now, you know how to dye polyester fabric by choosing the best fabric dye for polyester in the right way.
If you have any questions you can let us know by commenting. Good luck to you.
Frequently asked questions about polyester dye:
Q: Is polyester good material?
A: Polyester is a man-made fiber. Very good for wearing, very elastic, does not tear easily.
Polyester dye retains color easily. However, good color does not come in polyester as good color comes in cotton fabrics. High-Quality Polyester Holds Its Shape.
Q: How does polyester feel?
A: Polyester is a very light fabric, will feel a little more silky than cotton. It’s perfect for sports. The dress in polyester sticks to sweat, which means it will feel a bit sticky in hot weather but will feel quite warm in cold weather. Polyester fits very well.