Can I dye polyester in cold water.

[agarrotterofspiders]

I have a suspicion I can’t. It’s a white spandex leotard with net skirt (100% polyester). I wanted to dye it pale green. Cannot machine wash the dress. I have a spare, in the wrong size, that I can test on.

It won't take the dye, usually.

no it won't soak up the dye.

Sorry, no.

Depending on the effect that you want it might be possible to paint it: www.dharmatrading.com/paints/paints-and-dye-to-use-on-synthetic-fabrics.html

nope will go patchy or not take at all

It's dyed when it's in liquid form during manufacturing.

There is a dye called 'rit dye more' which is specifically for poly fabric and works well. You have to be careful with it though because it dyes everythibg. The bucket, spoon/stick you use to stir it, anything it drips on, your hands..........

Dyemore is great but can’t be used cold. You pretty much have to boil the fabric and keep it just below boiling while the dye takes.

Many, many years ago, I was a lab tech in a dye factory. All polyester samples were dyed at 120C, the dye bath was filled with fine, tiny glass beads because water obviously can't be used when dyeing at that temperature.

Thanks everyone! I might take a look at the painting the fabric and the rit dye, try it out on the other dress first. It's worth a try. I only need a subtle hint of green.