If you want to change the color of your curtains or restore faded colors, you can color curtains with fabric dye.
Since curtains are usually large and heavy, a lot of color is needed. If the result is not satisfactory, it is very annoying and unfortunate.
Following you will find tips and tricks to avoid disappointment.
Pitfall 1: Not all curtains can be dyed
The fabrics of some curtains contain polyester. Polyester can not be dyed with fabric dye. This also applies to the yarn with which the fabric is sewn together. Because even in the yarn polyester can be included.
Please note that water-repellent cleaning products with which the curtains may have been treated may also influence the result of the dyeing.
Tip 1: Always follow the washing instructions.
Every apparel purchased commercially has a washing instructions label. Even curtains have such a label. Here you will find information about the washing temperature and the composition of the substance. Always check if polyester is included in your fabric. If it is made of 100% polyester, dyeing with fabric dye is impossible. If only portions of polyester are in the fabric, then we advise against dyeing. Because in this case, everything, except the polyester content, would accept the fabric dye and that is usually not the result of what you want.
Pitfall 2: No washing instructions in curtains
Tailored curtains usually have no washing instructions. If you do not know which material your fabric is made of, then test it with a small piece of fabric first.
Tip 2: Do the test
Do not spend tens or even hundreds of euros on anything. First buy a pack of fabric dye and test your fabric.
There are always seams in the curtains. For testing, cut a small piece of fabric from the curtains. A few inches are enough. The best way to do this is with the stitched ends. It would be an advantage if you use a piece with seam for testing, because you can see how the yarn reacts to the color.
Put a small amount of the dye in a glass or cup and add hot water to dissolve the powder. Now put the piece of cloth in the liquid. After about half an hour you take your sample out and rinse it off well. If you are satisfied with the result, you can buy the color you want for your curtains.
Tip 3: Test with multiple colors
Different fabrics like cotton, silk and nylon all react differently in connection with fabric dye. Important is the substrate. The use of light yellow color for your black fabric is something other than using black color for your light yellow fabric.
Therefore we recommend the test of several colors. Buy lighter and darker shades or mix your own colors. Even if you are not a Picasso – everything is allowed while experimenting.
To experiment you can fill several glasses or cups with different colors and mixtures. You never need much color, you can easily win 10 portions from a single bag.
It’s fun to be creative. Just make sure you start with older garments…
Pitfall 3: Washing temperature too low
The ideal temperature for dyeing textiles is 90 ° C. Curtains can usually only be washed at 30 ° C or 40 ° C. Frequently, curtains can shrink during washing, even at low temperatures. It is difficult to achieve good results at low washing temperatures because the color can not adhere properly and thus often the fabrics become too pale.
TIP 4: Let the fabric dye rest for longer
If you dye at lower temperatures, it may happen that the colors are not dark enough. This can be easily seen by pulling the fabric out of the water. In the washing machine you can usually see through the window if the color of the fabric is the same as that of the water.
If the fabric stays light at a lower temperature, you can just leave it in the water longer. Sometimes even overnight. The coloring is only optimal if the fabric does not change further. A washing machine can usually be switched off during the coloring, so that the colors can work longer. Make sure that the fabric is well covered by the water and is occasionally moved.