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How do you dye polyester sheer curtains?
P from Peoria, IL
I "dyed" a lace curtain with water based paint. I wanted a creamy/tan color to blend with my walls so I took a white lace curtain (don't know the fabric content - it was an old curtain) and dipped it in some watered down paint leftover from the walls. The I wrung it out (do not rinse) and hung to dry, smoothing carefully so there would be no wrinkles. This curtain was used on a cabinet door (behind glass) and has been there for several years. I do not plan on washing it. It looks antique and blends well (it's not as dark as the wall)
You can dye them in a large pot with a dye like Rit. Instructions are on the package.
You will have to check what type of material are your sheer curtains to find the correct dye.
Dying sheers is tricky depending on the fabric.
Often the colors come out super splotchy and then it ruins the look.
If you were game for something like a tie dye look, you could possibly (depending on the fabric) get good results.
If they were at all expensive, or if dying them and it not turning out would be a financial hardship, I personally would not try it.
You could see if your dry cleaner has a professional dying service--some in the bigger cities do.
Hope it all works out for you.
I want to dye 4 84 inch, off white, sheers to a grey color in my washing machine. They are 100% polyester and are to be washed in cold on the gentle cycle.
By Kristine V.
You can try RIT dye with them, but usually your synthetic fabrics don't take dye as well as your natural ones, such as cotton and wool. You wold have to try it and see if the dye takes. It may take but a much lighter shade, in which case you may have to do it several times to get the shad you want.
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Sandy,
It all depends on what kind of fabric the curtains are made out of. If they are more than 50% polyester than chances are they won't accept most dyes. Check out ritdye.com for a list of what kind of fabrics can and can't be dyed
.I would try a tea stain. Make a strong tea and put them in it. You may want to try just a small piece first, to get an idea how long it will take (usually doesn't take much, especially if you want it real subtle). I would suggest using a roaster or a large container that you can lay them out as much as possible, and stir them around to get an even color. (12/02/2004)
By Cherie
I've already tried to dye sheets. They didn't take the Rit dye. I guess because of the polyester.
By Jodie
If you have sheer curtains and want them a bit darker but don't want to buy more, pick out coordinating material and sew the material onto the back of the curtain. Just measure the curtain to figure out how many yards you need (look for discount material, my local Wal-Mart has material for $1 a yard). Wash and iron material and fold under edges and sew. It's simple, easy, and cheap to fix up curtains and make them darker.
By Cali (01/05/2006)
By ThriftyFun
Do a search for "dharma fabric dye", it is a great site for all kinds of dyes and info. They have an impressive catalog too. I have not ordered from them but my daughter-in-law has and loves the products. (03/14/2006)
By Ruth Counter