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★★★★☆
does the job with specific items
I've been using this dye for many years and it does the job for specific projects. I've found it's important to follow a few key rules before choosing to use black RIT dye.
- First of all, the black color will not hold up well to washing. This is why I only dye clothing that isn't washed too frequently anyway, like jackets. If you do wash, definitely wash the dyed garment with other black clothes in cold water. Plan on re-dyeing afterwards if you want to maintain a rich black color.
- You will get the best results with 100% cotton or cotton/spandex blend clothing that is already a fairly dark color. For instance, a dark blue jean jacket. Dyeing anything light colored will most likely result in a purple tinged washed out black color.
- Forget about the instructions. I dye my item in a bucket, sink, or washing machine using *just enough* water to cover the garment. I also use two bottles of dye instead of just one. I add about a cup of salt depending on how big the garment is.
- Submerge the garment in the hottest water the item will tolerate plus the dye and agitate for about 10 minutes to start.
- Let the garment soak in the dye FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. At least 8 hours for best results, and agitate when you have the chance.
- Rinse the dyed garment with cold water.
June 2013 · Arts Crafts and Sewing