Unlike most other synthetic fibers, nylon is a material that is easy to dye. You can use an acid dye or an all-purpose dye. Nylon can also be colored with simple dyes you may already have at home, such as food coloring, or even soft drink powder. Prepare the liquid dye in a saucepan, then soak the nylon material for about 30 minutes. Once that's all done, you'll have a brand new nylon material.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Color Type
Step 1. Use an acid dye if you want to get the color shown on the package
Acid dyes don't need to be mixed with other colors in the process (unlike multi-purpose dyes) so the end result will be similar to the color on the package. Depending on the color you want, you may have to order it specifically from the manufacturer.
There is an exception to the rule regarding color matching, which is when you mix 2 different colors using an acid dye. Each dye has many pigments that can mix with pigments from other dyes and produce colors that are not as expected. Maybe the result will be a little different, but it might also be very different. If you still want to do this, test this color combination on an unused piece of nylon
Step 2. Use an all-purpose dye if you want an easy-to-find dye
These dyes can be obtained easily at grocery and craft stores, so they are perfect for those of you who are in a hurry and can't wait for special dyes to be ordered in advance. The result may be slightly different from the color on the package because this versatile dye consists of 2 types of dyes, namely: direct dyes for cotton and acid-grade dyes for nylon/wool. Only acid-grade dyes can change the color of nylon.
Although the results are not exactly the same, the color is still similar to what is stated on the packaging or box. Remember, there's still a chance that the color will be slightly different, especially if you're trying to match the nylon to another item (e.g. stockings with your favorite red lipstick)
Step 3. Use food coloring for a wider selection
In addition to the basic colors you can get from something like egg dye, there are plenty of colors you can get at grocery stores, craft stores, and online stores. You'll need about 10 drops of food coloring for each item you want to color, unless it weighs more than 1/2 kg (use less if you want a lighter color or more dye for a stronger color).
You can also use natural food extracts, such as beetroot extract for reds, turmeric for yellows, and spinach juice for greens
Step 4. Use a low-cost, unsweetened soft drink powder
Ideally, you should use powdered drinks that don't contain sugar or sugar substitutes. Otherwise, your nylon material will be messy and sticky. Use 1 packet of powdered drink for each ingredient you want to color with a weight of less than 1/2 kg.
The advantage of this drink powder is that the color does not fade on the nylon when you wash it. However, the color will fade if used on cotton
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Dyes
Step 1. Add water to the pot up to 3/4 of the way
Choose a pan that is not used for cooking food (unless you choose food coloring or powdered soft drinks). Acidic and versatile dyes will leave a chemical trail even when you wash and rinse them.
You can use tap water or filtered water. Both give the same result
Step 2. Place the pot on the stove, then turn the stove on to medium-high heat
Heat the water first before you put anything in it. If you are not allowed to use the stove, ask an adult for help. Let the water boil before you continue the process.
Tip:
Use the front (not the back) stove burner to make it easier for you to stir the pan.
Step 3. Put 240 ml of white vinegar in a saucepan
Nylon requires a small amount of acid to absorb the dye. No matter what type of dye you use, you'll need to add vinegar to the water. Otherwise, the nylon will not absorb the dye and will fade when washed.
Some types and brands of dyes also require a little salt to mix with the water. Read the instructions on the product packaging to be sure. You don't need to add salt if you use food coloring or soft drink powder
Step 4. Put the dye in the water
If using all-purpose dye or acid dye, add one packet of powder or 1 bottle of liquid dye for every 1/2 kg of fabric you want to dye. If using powdered soft drinks, put all the contents in the package. If you are using food coloring, add about 10 drops for a lighter color. Remember, you can reduce or increase the amount of dye depending on how light or dark you want to get.
- Be careful when opening the packaging of the dye powder. If spilled, the powder can stain your clothes, surfaces, or skin. Unpack it over a pan or kitchen sink.
- At this stage, you may need to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the dye.
Part 3 of 3: Coloring and Rinsing Nylon
Step 1. Soak the nylon in the pot
Press the nylon into the bottom of the pan with a wooden trowel until all the ingredients are submerged. Be careful not to let the water splatter out of the pot.
When handling small objects (such as stockings), you can color 2 or 3 objects at a time. If the fabric is large, do the coloring individually so that the pan is not too full and the color is uneven. If the wood brush doesn't have room to stir the cloth, the pot is too full
Step 2. Boil the nylon (on low heat) for 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes
Keep an eye on the pot, don't let the water start to boil. Nylon requires heat to absorb the dye, but too hot a temperature can damage the fabric. The churning water can also squirt over the stove and make it dirty.
Don't forget to use the irus that is not being used for food when you stir the contents of the pot. So that you don't forget that the irus can't be used for food, apply colored tape to the handles of the irus, or write them with permanent marker
Step 3. Remove the nylon from the pan using tongs, and transfer it to the sink
Turn off the stove after you have boiled the nylon for 30 minutes. Place a heat sink or other similar object on the counter near the sink, then put on oven mitts to carefully move the pan. Use tongs or 2 long-handled irus to scoop the nylon out of the pot, then transfer the nylon to the sink.
- Remove all cutlery from the sink before you move the nylon into it.
- So that the kitchen table is not exposed to drops of dye, first spread an old towel on it.
Warning:
Don't do this in a porcelain or enamel sink, as they can stain with dye. Instead, dump the dye down the drain that leads to the basement or laundry room, or even that drains out of the house. Continue the process in the pan (not the sink), or use the sink in the laundry room if you have one.
Step 4. Rinse the nylon with hot water until the water becomes clear
Be careful not to scald your body in the heat. Nylon freshly removed from boiling water will be very hot and will not cool as quickly as you will have to use hot water again to rinse it off. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and make it easier for you to rub the nylon until it's all rinsed off.
This process may take about 10-15 minutes
Step 5. Rinse the nylon in cold water to allow the color to stick
When the water is clear, rinse and soak the entire nylon section in cold water. Double check to make sure the water is clear.
Now your hands are safe from dye. However, you should always be wary of accidentally dripping dye around the edge of the sink. Wipe off any drops of dye you see using a sponge or tissue
Step 6. Dry the nylon in an area where there are no other fabrics
If the weather is nice, dry the nylon outdoors in the sun. If this is not possible, place the nylon in the basement or laundry room. Let the nylon dry completely before you put it on or wear it.
- Spread a towel under the nylon to catch any dye that may drip.
- Wash freshly dyed nylon separately from other fabrics, or wash it by hand for the first 2-3 washes to prevent the dye from smudging and staining other clothes.
Tips
- Solid nylon objects can be colored in the same way as you would a nylon fabric.
- Nylons in white, cream, and nude colors are easiest to color with results that are very similar to the colors on the pack. Dark colored nylon (eg black and dark brown), cannot be stained unless pre-soaked with a decolorizing solution.
