How to Dye Polyester

Fabric dyeing allow the cloth to take up different colors which can be important for a variety of reasons. One of the most difficult fabrics to dye is polyester as it requires the use of disperse dyes. Any other dye would make no difference in the color of the fabric. But using disperse dye in order to dye polyester can be a tricky method that you need to be careful with.

Polyester Dyeing Process

It is extremely difficult to dye polyester at home as you need to use the immersion process which is probably one of the most difficult types of dyeing methods there is. If you are dyeing polyester at home, then you need a constant supply of high heat and specific polyester fabric dyes which are known as disperse dyes. Dyeing polyester at home takes time, effort, skill, and a lot of patience. The things that you need in order to dye polyester at home include the following;

• Stainless steel pot, 5 gallons
• Steel pots, 3, small
• Utensil for dye
• Disperse dye
• Polyester fabric
• Dye carrier
• White vinegar
• Dye activator
• Synthrapol
• Rubber gloves
• Apron

The method that you need to follow in order to dye polyester is given below.

• Ensure that you use an open space or a space with good ventilation for the process of dyeing polyester.
• Place the 5 gallon pot filled with water on the stove and put the polyester fabric in it. Once the water heats up, add a little soda ash and Synthrapol to it. The quantity of Synthrapol should be about 3 ml for every pound of fabric. Let the fabric stay in the solution for ten minutes or so. This process expels any dirt or oil on the fabric.
• Now remove the fabric from the pot and in second pot, add 1 cup water, and the dye. The quantity of dye used will depend on the brand that you use and the color that you want.
• Now place the five gallon pot on the stove again and for every 2.5 gallons of water add, 10 teaspoon of vinegar, 2.5 ml of Synthrapol, and the dye that you have diluted. Add the Synthrapol first, the vinegar next, and the dye at last. Stir the water properly.
• Put the polyester fabric back into the pot and bring it to boil. Then allow the mixture to simmer for about forty minutes or so. Keep shifting the fabric to ensure that the color reached it well.
• Now as this process takes place, keep a second bowl of water for boiling. Once the fabric is dyed properly, transfer it immediately to this pot of water. This dispels any odor that is attached to the fabric.
• Remember to drain the water with dye from the pot carefully. After you do this, fill it with water again and allow the water to boil. Add 3 ml of Synthrapol and put the fabric into the pot for about ten minutes or so. After that remove the same and rinse it in warm water.

After dyeing, allow the cloth to dry on line dry. For proper polyester fabric care, this is very important. It is also important that you never use aluminum pots for dyeing and always wear rubber or latex gloves to protect your hands. If you are dyeing the fabric a dark color, use the dye carrier NSC. This dyeing process seems easy in theory but in actuality, it can be a little difficult and will need you to be patient and persevere with the process.