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What Color Is Denim Before It Is Dyed

For general dye projects, follow the sink or bucket method directions below.

If you are looking to achieve as vibrant a color as possible, follow the stovetop method instructions further down the page.

Sink or Bucket Method

  1. Gather supplies.

  1. Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the jeans. This will help achieve uniform color results when dyeing. Prewash them in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
  2. Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
  3. Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from getting stained and to insulate them when working with hot water.
  4. Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with of hot water. There needs to be enough water for the jeans to move freely. The water should ideally be . If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dye bath.
  5. To enhance the color, add one cup of salt.
  6. Add of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
  7. We generally recommend using 4 ounces of liquid dye (or one powder dye package) to dye one pair of jeans. However, if you are trying to achieve thedarkest color possible, we recommend using the whole bottle (or two packages of powder dye).
  8. Add well-shaken dye to dye bath.
  9. Test color by dipping a paper towel into the dye bath. If color is too light, add more dye. If color is too dark, add more water.
  10. Wet jeans, squeeze out any excess water and add it to the dyebath.
  11. Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even color with no splotches.
  12. Item can remain in dye bath from 10 minutes up to one hour. If dyeing a polyester cotton blend, keep the fabric in the dye bath for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the color takes fully.
  13. When desired color is achieved, remove from dye bath. Jeans will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.
  14. To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
  15. Rinse in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
  16. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.

Stovetop Method

  1. Before dyeing, remove any visibile stains on the jeans. This will help achieve uniform color results when dyeing. Prewash then in warm, soapy water. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
  2. Cover area around stove with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
  3. Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from getting stained and to insulate them when working with hot water.
  4. Fill a stainless steel pot with of hot water. There needs to be enough water for the jeans to move freely. Cover pot and heat water on stove top to just below boiling (or around ).
  5.  To enhance the color, add of salt.
  6. Add of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
  7. Since you are trying to achieve thedarkest color possible, we recommend using a whole bottle of liquid dye (or two packages of powder dye).
  8. When water begins to simmer, add well-shaken dye and mix well.
  9. Test color by dipping a paper towel into the dye bath. If color is too light, add more dye. If color is too dark, add more water.
  10. Wet the jeans and add them to the dye bath.
  11. Keep temperature at a low simmer for the duration of your dyeing.
  12. Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even color with no splotches.
  13. Item can remain in dye bath from 10 minutes up to one hour. If dyeing polyester or a polyester cotton blend, keep the jeans in the dye bath for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the color takes fully.
  14. When desired color is achieved, remove from dye bath. Jeans will look darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.
  15. To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions.
  16. Rinse in warm water and then gradually cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
  17. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.

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What Color Is Denim Before It Is Dyed

Source: https://www.ritdye.com/instructions/how-to-dye-jeans/