Coloring curtains can seem like a tough job, but if you're up to the challenge, the results can be quite rewarding. The hardest part is choosing the right color dye and deciding how much to use. After that, the process is quite easy.
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Method 1 of 3: Preparation
Step 1. Make sure the curtains can be colored
Most natural fabrics can be dyed without problems, but many synthetic fabrics don't dye easily. Before starting this work, you should make sure the curtains are made of a material that can be dyed.
- Note that some dyes may or may not color some materials, but most have the same capabilities and limitations. You should check the label of the dye you are going to use to make sure it works for your type of curtain fabric.
- Some dyes can dye cotton, linen, wool, silk, and flax. Certain synthetic fibers such as rayon and nylon can usually also be dyed.
- Most dyes won't work for fabrics where the main ingredients are polyester, acrylic, acetate, fiberglass, spandex, or metallic fibres. Bleached fabrics, water-repellent fabrics, stain-resistant fabrics, and fabrics that are “dry clean only” usually also cannot be dyed.
Step 2. Wash the curtains first
Regardless of whether the curtains are new or old, you need to wash them on a regular wash cycle before dyeing. Allow the curtains to partially dry by airing or using a dryer.
- You should use laundry detergent, but don't use fabric softener.
- These washing steps help remove any coating or dirt that could be blocking the fabric from absorbing the color. As a result, previously washed curtains will absorb colors more evenly and more accurately.
- The curtains don't need to dry completely, but you shouldn't let them soak, as the moisture inside the curtains can cool down and negatively affect how the dye interacts with the fabric later.
Step 3. Choose a color
Decide what color you want to use to color the curtains. Usually, all you need to do is decide on the color you want and find an appropriate color concentrate. You can change the color-or how dark or light it is-by dipping the curtains in the dye for a long or short time.
Do a little research before buying dye. Read the review of each color carefully and look at the pictures. Making the right choice can be difficult, but you can minimize the risk of an unsatisfactory color selection by taking the time to go through each color option
Step 4. Consider removing the color from the curtains
If your curtains are white, off-white, or very light in color, you can easily color them. However, if the curtains are darker or lighter in color, you will need to use a color remover.
- Use a color remover instead of bleach because bleach makes it difficult for the curtain fabric to absorb the dye.
- Dark fabrics cannot be dyed with light dyes. You may be able to dye the fabric colored if you use a darker dye, but the result will be a mixture of the dye and color that is already on the curtains. Since the results are unpredictable, completely removing the original color of the curtains is a safer method.
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To use color remover:
- Fill the washing machine with hot water and add three to four packs of color remover while filling the water.
- Place the washed but still wet curtains in the washing machine when the water-stirring cycle begins. Let it soak in the washing machine for 10-30 minutes or until the color is gone.
- Drain the water from the washing machine.
- Wash the curtains again with laundry soap. Use a full wash and rinse cycle.
- Clean the washing machine with hot water and laundry soap before using it again to remove any traces of color removal.
Step 5. Determine how much dye you will need
The amount of dye used varies by brand, so you should always check the brand's specifications before making a decision. However, the numbers can be compared and based on the weight of the fabric.
- Weigh the curtains to find out how much they weigh. The easiest way to do this is to weigh yourself, then weigh yourself while holding the curtains. Find the difference to find out the weight of the curtains.
- As a general rule, you'll need one box of powdered dye or 125 ml of liquid dye for every 450 grams of curtains. You can use a little dye if you want a lighter color. For a darker color, double this amount.
Method 2 of 3: Coloring the Curtains
Step 1. Fill a large tub with hot water
As a general rule, you should use 12 liters of water for a 450 gram cloth. The water should be slightly boiling hot when you pour it into the tub.
- Glass and stainless steel tubs won't stain with the dye, but most plastics will.
- If you're concerned about the tub getting stained, consider covering it with a plastic sheet before filling it with water.
- This job is best done if using a single tub. If you need to separate the process into two tubs, make sure that the amount of water and amount of dye you put in each tub is exactly the same.
- Alternatively, you can use a washing machine to dye the curtains. To do this, start by filling the tub of the washing machine with as hot water as possible. The rest of the process follows the same steps.
Step 2. Prepare the dye
There are differences between powdered dyes and liquid dyes and there are even major differences between dye brands. Check the instructions on the dye package for the best way to prepare it.
- Usually, you will need to prepare a bottle of liquid dye by shaking it vigorously for about a minute.
- To prepare powdered dye, dissolve one packet of powdered dye in 500 ml of very hot water.
Step 3. Mix the dye
Pour the prepared dye into a tub or washing machine (whichever you prefer) filled with water. Use a paint stick or a board to stir the dye until you are sure it has spread evenly in the water.
Step 4. Soak the curtains
If the curtains feel dry or cold to the touch, immediately soak them in a separate tub or tub filled with clean hot water.
Hot water helps activate the dye. The result will be as clear and even as possible if the dye bath and curtains are hot when you transfer the fabric to the dye bath
Step 5. Put the curtains in the dye bath
Place the curtains in the dye bath, completely submerging them under the water. Leave in the hot dye for 5 minutes.
Do not stir the curtains during this stage. If you are using a washing machine, do not start the wash cycle
Step 6. Add salt or vinegar
After the first 5 minutes, add 250 ml of salt or white vinegar to the dye bath for every 12 liters of water. You should also add 1 tablespoon of liquid laundry soap.
- The salt and vinegar help improve the color of the dye. Use salt for cotton, linen, flax, and rayon fabrics. Use vinegar for silk, wool, and nylon.
- Liquid laundry soap allows the dye to move more freely in the water and the fabric fibers.
Step 7. Soak for a few hours
While the chemical is in the water, let the curtains soak in the dye bath for two hours.
- The soaking time is standard if you want to create a specific color; however, you can soak the curtains for a short time or a long time if you want light or dark colors respectively.
- Check the curtains regularly until they are the color you want. However, note that the final color is usually slightly lighter than when the curtains were still wet.
- Always stir the curtains. If you dye the curtains using a washing machine, set the washer on a stirring cycle and continue to stir the fabric completely. If you wash the curtains in a tub, stir the fabric every few minutes using a large paint stick or board.
Method 3 of 3: Setting the Colors
Step 1. Dye the curtains with a warm water wash cycle
Remove the curtains from the dye bath and transfer them to the washing machine (if they are not already in the washing machine). Run the washing machine on a hot water wash cycle and set the rinse cycle with warm water.
- If you can adjust the soil level of your washing machine, set it to "heavy soil."
- Do not drain the dye bath if you dye the curtains in the washing machine. Operate the washing machine using the water in it.
Step 2. Operate the washing machine on a warm/cold cycle
Add 1-2 tablespoons of liquid laundry soap to the washing machine and run on a normal to warm cycle with a cold rinse.
- The first wash cycle has removed most of the excess dye. The second cycle should help make the dye adhere to the fabric.
- Make sure the water is clear at the end of the wash cycle. If the water is clear, then the dye is already attached and will not make the curtain material fade.
Step 3. Dry the curtains
As long as the curtains are made of a dryer-dryable material, the simplest and quickest way to dry them is to stir them in a tumble dryer and dry on low speed until the curtains are dry to the touch.
Alternatively, you can dry the curtains by hanging them on a clothesline. The curtains were completely dry by air after a day or two, the whole day it was dry and the sun was shining brightly
Step 4. Clean the washing machine
Most of the dye should be removed from the washing machine at this stage, but to avoid any possible accidental washing, it is a good idea to clean the washing machine by running it on another cycle. Add half the cap of liquid laundry soap and run the washing machine on a warm wash cycle with a cold water rinse.
Also consider putting a little bleach in the washing machine at this step
Step 5. Install the curtains
At this stage, the curtains are colored and ready to be installed in place.
