Dylon machine dye on curtains... not sure if it’d work?

[JustBeingJobless]

The curtains on my little caravan are currently a pale salmon pink colour and a bit faded. I was going to make new ones, but there’s not actually anything wrong with them, apart from the colour, and it would save a lot of work if I could dye them. They’re not lined and the fabric is lightweight and isn’t particularly thick (no idea what the fabric is though, but I know they machine wash ok), so fancying giving machine dye a go.

I would ideally like them some shade of grey - what colour would I need to use to go from pale pink to grey? I can’t get my head around it! Would the pink still show or will it be ok with it being really pale? I guess the worst that can happen is they go wrong and I go back to plan a and make some new ones!

Any advice from people that have used the Dylon stuff before? Many thanks :)

[HoneysuckIejasmine]

I've never worried about covering the old colour - Dylon is v good. Although I've not tried to dye anything a lighter colour.

The key is to have sufficient dye for the weight of fabric. And bear in mind it doesn't work on synthetic fibres, and that may well include the thread used to sew the curtains originally.

If you're not sure what the fabric is, you may as well just give it a go anyway. As it's a matter of dye it or replace them. 🤷

[JustBeingJobless]

I suspect it’s not natural fibres as they dry way too quickly. I think I may as well just have a go and see what happens. Would save a lot of money and time if it looks ok!

[3in4years]

I did it.

[DappledThings]

I've tried it twice. Used the colour stripping powder as a prep then a dye. Did absolutely fuck all.

But they did say dry clean only so maybe were treated with something that meant they didn't absorb dye.

[Fontella]

I've dyed loads of things over the years, even bath towels and yards and yards of voile curtain panels when I redecorated my lounge and didn't want to spend a fortune on new curtains for the patio doors.

it doesn't always turn out exactly as I'd hoped, but you always get a result of some sort. Some fabrics take beautifully, others don't and you get a more muted tone .. but you do get a result. It's whether you find that result pleasing or not.

The voile panels didn't take particularly well. I was trying to dye them from a beige colour to a pale pink. They came out still beige but with a pinky tinge and although initially disappointed - the more subtle shade actually worked better with the new decor.

If the fabric is good then give it a go. You've got nothing to lose other than the cost of the dye.

[JustBeingJobless]

I’ve taken the plunge and ordered the dye off Amazon so will have a go tomorrow. I’m not overly fussed on the shade they turn out, just want a grey colour as just had the wall and roof lining done in a lovely blue and new flooring in a graphite grey with silver and blue flecks, so I’m aiming for blues/greys. I’ll probably replace them at some point anyway if I’m honest, just would prefer it not to have to be right now, as I have a list of jobs that are more important! Fingers crossed it works :)

[Fontella]

Job - post back and let us know how it turns out - maybe with 'before' and 'after' pics?



I always find it very hit and miss but that's half the fun. It's difficult to work out what fabrics will take and what won't and even reading all the blurb - well it doesn't really help.

I would have thought going grey would be achievable though. It's just black that hasn't taken properly!

[dottyp0104]

Hi, sorry to jump on the thread, always wanted to use the Dylon to dye jeans that have faded, but worry about the effect on my washing machine. Its brand new, will it ruin it??

[JustBeingJobless]

Here’s the before :) Will add another photo tomorrow providing the Amazon guy delivers early.

[Fontella]

dotty it does nothing to the washer.

You have to do a separate 'empty' wash after you've done the dye wash - so you just run the cycle with detergent etc. but no washing in there.

And then that's it.

I've used bright pink, black, all sorts and never had a problem with the machine after.

[SpringForEver]

From experience, anything that is not cotton will not dye properly if at all, that includes the stitching. Sometimes you can end up with the fabric changing colour but not the thread it is sewn with.

[Angie169]

To get the dye to take evenly make sure the marital is wet all over ( dunk in a full sink )
It does depend on what the marital is as to if the dye will take.
Dotty I always buy light-ish coloured jeans and t-shirts then then I fancy a change I dye them often 4 or 5 times going darker each time , often on t-shirts the stitching will stay it's original colour but I like it , it adds to their unique-ness.
It will not harm your washer at all, as PP said just run it on a hot empty wash after.

[dottyp0104]

Thats great thank you. I will give it a try

[JustBeingJobless]

Here goes nothing

[starlingsintheslipstream]

I'm overly invested in this live dying thread! Please post more photos when it's done!

[JustBeingJobless]

Oh I will Got to nip out in a bit though so will post after pictures later!

[ImNotKitten]

Look forward to seeing the results OP!

Does the dye not stain the rubber seal on the washing machine?

[JustBeingJobless]

I hope not, I’ve only had it 4 weeks!!

[JustBeingJobless]

Mind you, the seals grey anyway and I’m using grey dye, so wouldn’t imagine it’ll do much :)

[ThunderOnlyHappens]

I'm intrigued about this, our curtains are a bit old looking but are massive/expensive so maybe dying is the way forward?!

[Fontella]

Ooh Job this is so exciting.

Can you send us a pic of the washing machine going round - only joking not really.

[Angie169]

Surely they must be done by now . . . . . .

[JustBeingJobless]

They stayed the same

[JustBeingJobless]

However, thanks to grey water dribbling down the front of my shiny new washing machine, I’ve discovered it’s leaking a little bit from the bottom of the door, so at least I’m aware and can get that sorted Every cloud and all that..,

Back to plan a for the curtains however!

[Fontella]

Oh no ... not even a tinge of grey?

Assuming you used the right amount of dye to fabric, and followed all the instructions. I'd be demanding my money back.

I can honestly say, hand on heart I've never had anything stay exactly the same. I've had some very muted results and some strange shade results but I've never had anything stay exactly the same?