SUPPLIES & TOOLS:
- Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye: aquamarine and rose quartz used here
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative (recommended)
- Faux sheepskin rug
- Container for dyeing
- Measuring cup/spoon
- Salt
- Liquid dish detergent
- Plastic table cover
- Rubber gloves
- Paper towels
DIRECTIONS:
- Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills. Gather supplies.
- For best results, prewash faux sheepskin rug to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. Leave damp.
- Wearing rubber gloves, fill a large container or stainless-steel sink with 3 gallons of very hot water. The water should ideally be 140F. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath.
- Pour well-shaken All-Purpose Liquid dye into dyebath. For the rose quartz rug, we used very little dye. Only 1-2 tablespoons. For the aquamarine rug, add 1/2 cup of dye to the dyebath. Stir well.
- To enhance the color, add one cup of salt. Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
- Stir well.
- Test color by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. If color is too light, add more dye. If color is too dark, add more water.
- Immerse rug in dyebath. Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even color with no splotches.
- The rug can remain in dyebath from 10 minutes up to one hour. When desired color is achieved, remove from dyebath. Rug will appear darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.
- We strongly recommend using Rit ColorStay Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing to enhance color, increase color retention and reduce bleeding. Follow package instructions.
- Rinse in cool water until water runs clear.
- Wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and dry.