Dye Blue Jeans Black

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Jeans
• Rit® All-Purpose Liquid Dye, black
• 4-gallon dye container
• Dishwashing liquid
• Large metal spoon
• Rubber gloves
• 1 cup salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Gather supplies. Prewash jeans to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
2. Estimate the weight of your dry jeans. (If possible, use a food scale.) As a guideline, 1/2 cup (half bottle) of liquid dye will color up to 16 ounces of dry weight fabric. For black or other dark colors, use 1 bottle of dye.
3. Wet jeans in warm water and squeeze out excess. The wet fabric will absorb the dye more evenly.
4. Fill container with 3 gallons very hot tap water (140° F). Note: If water is not hot enough, heat some water in a tea kettle or in the microwave.
5. Wearing rubber gloves, shake dye bottle and pour into the water.
6. Measure 1 cup of salt; dissolve with 2 cups very hot water and stir well. Add to dye bath.
7. Add squirt of dishwashing liquid.
8. Stir well. Test dye color to be sure you are satisfied. Note: If color is too light, add more dye. If color is too dark, add more water.
9. Immerse jeans in dye bath and stir continuously for 20 minutes, then occasionally for 10 minutes to 1 hour until desired color is achieved. (Color will appear lighter when dry.)
10. The longer the jeans remain in the dye bath, the darker resulting color will be. Stirring helps to ensure an even color.
11. Remove jeans from dye bath and squeeze out excess dye. Rinse in cold running water until water begins to run clear.
12. Wash jeans in warm water with mild detergent and dry.