How to dye a garden umbrella

[rachelmonday1]

Hi Ladies,

Has anyone ever dyed the cover of a garden umbrella and, if so, what dye did you use? Ours has faded in the sunshine and looks quite tatty, but is actually perfectly sound. I've looked on-line but can only find tiny cans of fabric paint and I'd need so many of them that it would make the job wholly un-economic. Thanks in advance.

I would think that polyurethane eggshell paint would do the job. I’ve seen fabric chairs painted with several layers, but this makes them stiff, like leather. One coat would be flexible enough to fold. A bonus is it might be rain proof.

Thanks Beebumble2 :)

I have see people on the Frenchic (a chalk based paint brand) Facebook groups who have painted umbrellas, you could check that out?

I have done it on a canvas garden umbrella - first I washed the cover in the washer ( I have a big one) but could be hand washed- dried it for a couple of day and then Spray painted it. It took 4 cans to get an even coverage.
Also I dyed canvas outdoor sofa cushions with Rit fabric dye off ebay. It is very concentrated and gives great coverage.
This could also work on an umbrella but I would put it in a spray bottle to get it even.