nylon is quite easy to dye.nylon also reacts well to simple dyes you might already have at home, like food coloring and even powdered drink mixes, and you can use either acid or all-purpose dyes.Prepare a dye bath in a stockpot and soak the nylon item for half an hour.You will have a piece of nylon that is completely different before you know it.
Step 1: An acid dye can be used to get a color that closely matches the packet.
Because acid dyes don't have other types of dyes mixed into them, the color you get at the end of the dyeing process will closely match your choice.If you want a particular color of dye, you may need to order it online from a dye company.If you were to mix 2 different shades of acid dyes, there was an exception to the rule about color-matching.The result of the dye could be different than expected, but it could also be dramatic.If you want to do this, you need to test the mixed dyes on a piece of scrap nylon.
Step 2: It's easy to find an all-purpose dye.
When you don't want to wait for a special order to come in, all-purpose dyes can be found at most craft and grocery stores.The color of your nylon might be slightly different than what's on the box because all-purpose dyes include 2 types of dye.Your nylon will not be affected by the leveling-acid dye.The color will be very close to what is on the box or label.If you're trying to match your nylon to the color of something else, keep in mind that there might be a slight difference.
Step 3: Food coloring can be used to choose from a wide range of colors.
There are tons of other colors to choose from at craft stores, grocery stores and online.You'll need about 10 drops of food coloring for each item you want to dye, unless they're more than 1 pound.There are natural food extracts that can be used for red, yellow, and green dye.
Step 4: For an inexpensive option, pick an unsweetened powdered drink mix.
The nylon will turn into a mess if the powdered drink mix is not completely free of sugar and sugar-substitutes.You can use 1 packet of drink mix for each item under 1 pound.If you use a drink mix on nylon, the color won't wash out when you clean it like it would if you used cotton.
Step 5: Water can be filled in a stockpot 1/3 full.
Unless you're using food coloring or a powdered drink mix, use a stockpot that you don't mind retiring from use with food.All-purpose dyes and acid dyes can leave traces of chemicals even after the pot has been washed.The results will be the same regardless of whether you use tap water or filters.
Step 6: Turn the burner on to medium-high heat when putting the pot on the stove.
Start heating the water before adding anything else.If you can't use the stove, ask an adult for help.Before moving on to the next step, let it come to a boil.
Step 7: The stockpot should have 1 cup of white vinegar.
To soak up the dye, nylon needs a small amount of acid.Don't forget to add the vinegar to the stockpot regardless of what kind of dye you use.Your nylon won't hold the dye and it will wash out quickly if you do.Adding salt to the water is called for by some brands of dye.If this is needed, check the instructions.If you're using food coloring or a powdered drink mix, you don't need to add salt.
Step 8: The dye should be poured into the water.
If you're using acid or all-purpose dye, use one packet of powder or 1 bottle of liquid dye for each pound of fabric.Add the whole packet of powder if you're using a powdered drink mix.10 drops should create a vibrant shade for food coloring.Depending on how dark or light you want the color to be, you could use more or less dye.When opening packets of powdered dye, be careful.They can stain clothes, surfaces, and skin if they spill.They can be opened over the pot or kitchen sink.If any dye gets onto your hands, you may want to put on a pair of rubber gloves.
Step 9: The nylon item should be put into the stockpot.
The spoon should be used to push the item down to the bottom of the pot.Don't splash the water over the stockpot.You can dye 2 or 3 pairs of pantyhose at the same time.If you want the color to be even, try to do one at a time and make sure they're not overcrowded.The pot is too crowded if there isn't enough room for your spoon.
Step 10: Every 5 minutes, stir your nylon for 30 minutes.
It's important to keep an eye on the pot to make sure the water doesn't get too hot and damage the fabric.It's possible that boiling water could stain your stove.You don't want to use a spoon with food again.If you want to remind yourself that you shouldn't use it for food, put a piece of colored tape around the handle or write on it with a marker.
Step 11: Remove the nylon from the pot and transfer it to the sink.
The burner should be turned off after 30 minutes.If you want to carefully move the pot, put a hot pad on the counter next to the sink.To remove nylon from the water, use a pair of tongs or 2 long spoons.Before you do this, make sure the dishes are out of the sink.Put an old towel on the counter to help protect it from drips.
Step 12: When the water runs clear, rinse the nylon with hot water.
It won't cool down quickly since you'll be applying more hot water, so be careful not to burn yourself, as the nylon will still be really hot from the simmering water.Using rubber gloves can help protect your hands from the heat while also allowing you to maneuver the nylon so that it gets washed out.The process may take 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 13: The nylon needs to be washed in ice-cold water.
Once the water is clear, immerse the nylon in the cold water.Make sure the water is clear.The danger of dyeing your hands should be over by now, but be careful with the drops of dye around the edge of your sink.To clean up drips, use a sponge or some paper towels.
Step 14: It won't come into contact with other fabrics if you line-dry your nylon.
If the weather is nice, hang the nylon outside.You can use a line indoors in a basement or laundry room if you don't have that option.Before you use or wear it, let it dry completely.If there is a chance of drips, put a towel underneath the nylon.If you don't wash nylons by hand for the first 2 to 3 washes, the dye will run off and ruin other garments.