Polyester curtains are synthetic materials and are very difficult to dye. Therefore, we use a special coloring dye in this process.
Polyester curtains are better than other curtains because of their ease of making and longevity (they last long). We will discuss how to dye polyester curtains in this article.
The following materials are what you need when you plan on How to Dye Polyester Curtains; Dye (Rit Dyemore), pot or kettle, cup to measure the quantity of dye, metal tongs, hand gloves, detergent or liquid soap, big bowel, measuring scale, and stove.
Simple Steps on How to Make Dyed Polyester Curtains
Step #1: Measure the Weight of the Polyester Curtain
When you plan on how to dye polyester curtains, the first step is taking measurement. This is to ascertain the quantity of dye to be used. Use a measuring scale to take the capacity of the polyester curtain.
For 100% polyester curtains, double of the color dye used on ordinary cloth is applied because of its difficulty to stain.
Step #2: Dip the Polyester Curtains in Warm Water
Dip the polyester curtain in warm water. A small quantity of liquid soap preferably is added to wash away any impurities that will disrupt the dye from staining the curtains.
Step #3: Get the Stove and Large pot Ready for Boiling Water
The next step when you plan on how to dye polyester curtains is putting a large pot on the stove. Add 10 liters of water, and leave for 30 minutes. The quantity of water should be enough to ensure the free movement of the curtains in the water.
Heat the water at 200 °F, above the boiling point of water. Add one teaspoon full of detergent to enhance the level at which the polyester curtains will dye.
Step #4: Wear Gloves and Measure the Quantity of dye to be Used
Use a pair of gloves to prevent your hands from being harmed by the dye since it’s a strong chemical. Get a cup and scoop enough color dye and add in the bowel where hot water is already ready.
Step #5: Test the staining Ability of the dye
The next step on how to dye polyester curtains is getting a white piece of paper or carton. Scoop a little quantity and pour on the white paper or carton to test its staining ability.
Step #6: Dip the Polyester Curtains in the dye Bath
The curtains are dipped into the dye bath and slowly stirred with metal tongs. Continue stirring for 10 minutes and leave it for a while. Stirring determines the quantity of dye that will penetrate the polyester curtains.
Step #7: Leave the Polyester Curtains in the dye Bath for a While
The curtains are left in the dye bath for over 30 minutes to an hour. It is stirred at intervals to ensure that the dyes have thoroughly soaked all over the polyester curtains.
Step #8: Remove the Polyester Curtains From the dye Bath With Metal Tongs
When you achieve the desired color, remove the curtains from the dye bath. Rinse with clean-warm water without any detergent until the rinsate becomes clear.
Step #9: Fold the Dyed Polyester Curtains on Fabric Material
Spread a strong fabric material like a thick towel on a table. Place the dyed polyester curtains once out from the dye bath. The towel is folded into the curtains and squeezed for a while to ensure penetration of the dye.
Step #10: Wash in Warm Water and dry for use
Wash the dyed polyester curtains in warm water with liquid soap. Allow drying. They are now ready for usage.
Can you dye 100% Polyester Curtain?
Polyester curtains are a special kind of curtain. Dyeing is not easy because of the contents they have. Therefore, it is difficult to dye the polyester curtain. Because water does not penetrate the curtains, people rarely color them.
To dye polyester curtains, use a dye called Disperse dye. You can buy this dye from any store or pharmaceutical stores.
Apart from being a special kind of curtain, they do not lather with soup. Therefore, dying polyester curtains will reduce their thickness and make them more porous for the liquid to pass through.
What are the Best Fabric dyes for Polyester?
The best choice of fabric dyes mostly used is Rit Dyemore. It allows easy penetration of dyes into the polyester. It works more in hot water and at a steady temperature.
Polyester requires a special kind of dye and is used in large quantities depending on the curtain’s weight. In some cases, we leave water for the color dye on the stove. Add the color dye even as it is on the stove.
People use Rit Dyemore often because:
- it is cheap, and
- dye cloth permanently
Can you use Food Coloring to dye Polyester?
Yes! You can use food coloring to dye polyester since it’s a fabric material. How about washing the polyester after dying?
Food coloring is a temporal dye, meaning that it doesn’t last. Rit Dyemore is a permanent dye. Polyester retains more of Rit Dyemore than the food coloring.
To use food coloring, you cannot wash the polyester. When you do, you will wash off the dye.
Conclusion
Polyester curtain is the choice of every home because of its authentic and aesthetic views. It is not far-fetched because you can produce this type of curtain material from comfort of your kitchen or bathroom by dying.
Many homes that cannot afford to buy curtains can get these materials and follow the steps outlined on how to dye polyester curtains to produce one.
It is always advisable to go for homemade polyester curtains since you will take care while dying the curtains. You can get it from the market. But the qualities are not the same, regardless of the amount you will.