Frequently Asked Questions

I have questions about:

Q. What types of fabrics can I dye with Rit Dye?
A. Rit will dye most washable fabrics, including 100% cotton, linen, wool, and silk. It will also dye synthetics such as rayon and nylon, as well as fiber blends with at least 60% cotton or other dyeable fiber. (Blends will tint evenly but will not achieve full color.) There are fabrics, however, that will not accept dye, such as fabrics with 50% or more polyester, 100% acrylic, acetate, fiberglass, metallic fibers, fabrics with rubber backing or special finishes such as water-repellent fabrics with bleach damage or extensive staining, and fabrics that are washable only in cold water or labeled "dry clean only".

 
Q. What other types of materials can I dye with Rit Dye?
A. Rit can be used to dye many different types of materials including wood, paper, plastic, feathers, and even canvas shoes! For specific instructions on how to dye any of these craft materials, click here.

 
Q. Can colored or printed fabrics be dyed?
A Yes, colored and printed fabrics can be dyed. It's a technique called overdyeing and the existing fabric color will greatly affect the finished color results. For instance, dyeing an item that is pink with royal blue can produce purple. See the chart below for other color combinations.


If Fabric Is: Dye It: To Obtain:
     
Red Wine Cranberry
Red Royal Blue Purple
Blue (medium) Fuchsia Purple
Blue (medium) Lemon Yellow Green
Blue (medium) Kelly Green Aqua
Yellow Petal Pink Coral
Yellow Royal Blue Green
Yellow (bright) Cocoa Brown Golden Brown
Yellow (bright) Scarlet Dark Orange
Light Tan or Beige Petal Pink Dusty Pink
Brown (medium) Scarlet Rust Brown
Light Green Lemon Yellow Chartreuse
Light Green Evening Blue Blue Turquoise
Orange (medium) Tan Burnt Orange
Purple Navy Blue Plum

 

If Old Color is:   It Can Be Covered with:
     
Yellow (light)
  Scarlet, Tangerine, Cocoa Brown, Dark Brown, Dark Green, Wine, or Black
Peach, Light Orange, Light Pink
  Scarlet, Fuchsia, Royal Blue, Cocoa Brown, Tangerine, Wine, Dark Green, Navy, Blue, or Black
Orange (bright or dark)
 
  Scarlet, Dark Brown, or Black
Pink (medium or dark)
 
  Fuchsia, Purple, Wine, Scarlet, Cocoa Brown, Dark Brown, or Black
Orchid or Lavender
 
  Purple, Wine, Dark Brown, Navy Blue, or Black
Bright Red
  Wine or Black*
Purple
  Black
Blue or Turquoise (light)
 
  Royal Blue, Aquamarine, Kelly Green, Dark Green, Dark Brown, Wine, Navy Blue, or Black
Aqua (medium or dark)
 
  Dark Green, Navy Blue, or Black
Blue (medium)
  Denim Blue, Navy Blue, or Black
Green (light)
  Royal Blue, Aquamarine, Kelly Green, Dark Green, Dark Brown, Wine, Navy Blue, or Black
Chartreuse (light)
  Aquamarine, Dark Green, Dark Brown, Wine, or Black
Chartreuse (dark)
  Dark Green or Black*
Green (dark)
  Black*
Gold (light)
  Dark Brown, Dark Green, Cocoa Brown, or Black
Gold (medium or dark)
 
  Wine, Purple, Dark Green, Cocoa Brown, Dark Brown, Navy Blue, Denim Blue, or Black
Grey (medium or deep)
 
  Dark Green, Dark Brown, Navy Blue, or Black
Tan or Beige (medium)
 
  Dark Green, Cocoa Brown, Wine, Dark Brown, or Black
Brown (medium or dark)
 
  Black*

 

*When Dyeing Black Over Original Color: Add the Following to Black Dye Bath:
   
Red or Wine 1/2 pkg. Dark Green
Medium or Dark Green 1/2 pkg. Scarlet
Medium or Dark Brown 1/2 pkg. Navy Blue
Dark Blue 1/2 pkg. Dark Brown
   
* IMPORTANT: When dyeing a print, it is important to choose a new color that will effectively change the background color as well as the colors of the pattern. Solid colors cannot be achieved by overdyeing a print.

 
Q. Do all fabrics dye to the same degree or in the same amount of time?
A. When it comes to dyeing, not all fabrics are created equal. Some dye much more quickly and will appear darker sooner than others. Most cotton, silk and nylon fabrics absorb dye very quickly. Other natural and synthetic fabrics usually take longer to reach the fullest, richest color. Old, well-washed fabrics may dye faster than new fabric.

 
Q. Should new fabrics or garments be washed before dyeing?
A. It is always a good idea to wash any item before dyeing to remove any finish or to remove fabric softeners. This allows the fabrics to absorb dye better and results in more accurate, even color.

 
Q. Are there any special techniques to get rich, dark colors?
A. The three keys to getting deep rich colors are 1) using the right amount of dye, 2) maintaining a hot water temperature, and 3) allowing adequate time for fabric in the dyebath. Follow our Tips for True Colors to get the best results for your projects.

 
Q. How do I determine how much dye I will need?
A. The amount of Rit Dye you’ll need depends on the dry weight of the fabric. Use one package of powder dye or 1/2 bottle (1/2 cup) of liquid dye for each pound (about 3 yards of lightweight fabric) when you dye light and medium colors. Use double the amount when dyeing very dark or bright colors.

 
Q. Is it necessary to wet fabric before adding to the dyebath?
A. Wetting the fabric before adding to the dyebath helps fabric absorb the dye more evenly.

 
Q. Why is it important to constantly stir the item while it’s in the dyebath?
A. Stirring the fabric promotes consistent exposure to the dye, resulting in “level dyeing” or even color.

 
Q. Why is it necessary to wear rubber gloves when dyeing?
A. Rubber gloves offer insulation from the hot water and protect hands and nails from staining.

 
Q. How should dyed articles be cared for?
A. It’s best to wash your dyed item by itself in cool water with a mild, non-bleaching detergent.

 
Q. What types of containers are best for mixing the dye solution and for the dye bath?
A. You can use glass and stainless steel containers for dissolving powder dye before adding to the dye bath container. Large stainless steel pots or heavy plastic buckets are ideal containers when dyeing small items. Your washing machine is the best choice for large, heavy items like curtains and bedspreads. You should not use a fiberglass or porous porcelain bathtub or sink for dyeing because they are very likely to become permanently stained.

 
Q. Are Rit powder and liquid dyes interchangeable?
A. Yes, they are interchangeable. One bottle of liquid dye is equal to 2 packages of powder dye. To help you with your conversions, we’ve provided the chart below:


Rit Liquid Dye   Rit Powder Dye
     
1/2 bottle (4 oz.) or 1/2 cup = 1 package or 6 teaspoons
1/4 bottle (2 oz.) or 1/4 cup = 1/2 package or 3 teaspoons
1/8 bottle (1 oz.) or 6 teaspoons = 1/4 package or 1 1/2 teaspoons
1/16 bottle (1/2 oz.) or 3 teaspoons = 1/16 package or 3/4 teaspoon
1/32 bottle (1/4 oz.) or 1 1/2 teaspoons = 1/16 package or 3/8 teaspoon
1/64 bottle (1/8 oz.) or 3/4 teaspoons = 1/32 package or 3/16 teaspoon

 
Q. How should I store Rit?
A. Store unopened powder dye in a dry area at room temperature. Moisture may make the powder clump, but it will still dissolve in very hot or boiling water. Store leftover powder dye in a small dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. You can note the color on the jar. To store liquid dye, simply twist the cap on very tightly. When stored properly, liquid or powder dye will last for an indefinite period of time.

 
Q. Where can I buy Rit Dye?
A. Rit is available at major retail outlets, including grocery, craft, fabric and drug stores, and mass merchandisers. You can also purchase online by clicking Buy Rit Now.

 
Q. I'm looking for SunGuard. Is that a Rit product?
A. No, but it's made by Rit's parent company, Phoenix Brands. You can learn all about SunGuard at its own website, sunguardsunprotection.com