Dye - does it rub off?

[weddingding]

I finally found some chairs I love, but not too keen on the colour (sort of a light grey melange, I'd rather go for a bright colour as I have quite a colourful maximalist style). I particularly like the shades that Rit has, but have also looked at Dylon.

The seat pads do come off so I reckon I could dye them using the sink/bucket method on Rit's website, but when I mentioned this to my mum she said that the dye will rub off on clothes etc.

I'd like to think that dyes have come a long way since she would've last used them in the 80s, but wanted to check what people's experiences have been, which brands you'd recommend, and if certain methods work better than others?

I seem to remember reading that the fabric needs to be ironed to "seal in" the dye. Perhaps steaming would do the same. But it would have instructions on what to do on the packet.

Another option to get in touch with the dye manufacturers customer service. I once contacted Dylon about how to use their black dye and they were quite helpful.

I've recently redyed our outside furniture covers using Dylon in the washing machine. I do it every couple of years as they are cotton, a dark colour and prone to fading in the summer sun. Cheaper than replacing the covers.

Dylon has a limited range of colours, works best on pure cotton as colour doesn't take properly on synthetic fabrics and trims (thread/zips, etc). You also need to ensure you use sufficient dye pods for the weight of fabric or you won't get the colour intensity shown on the pod label. The colour doesn't rub off onto clothes.

With all dyes you can only dye darker than the original colour (unless you use a colour stripper first) and the original fabric colour may affect the outcome.

I have also used cold water dyes in the past, bit faffy as I needed to calculate salt (fiaxative) and dye/water amounts for the fabric. You will need a big trug rather than a bucket to ensure fabric can be stirred. Rinsing well was also a pain. Once dried the dye didn't rub off on clothes and faded in the sun at the same rate as the Dylon. Make sure you have the right dye for the fabric type (synthetic/natural)

One thing to consider is that previously unwashed cotton will shrink slightly when washed and even synthetic fabric fibres will contract so expect a bit of a battle when putting covers back on.

Sorry for the late reply. Thank you @Badgersonthedoorstep and @Cherubimbum - those are all good points, clearly I was worrying about the wrong thing!

I went ahead and bought just one chair, and I actually don't mind the colour that much so I think I'll keep it this way for now. That said, I do get an urge to dye something every few months so this is useful advice regardless!