I’ve been known to dye pretty much anything that isn’t nailed down, but there’s one project I’ve been wanting to try for a while that I’m only just now getting around to. Why? Because I totally wasn’t sure that it would work.
I’ve dyed everything from napkins, to shoes, to baskets, even hangers. So what the heck was my DIY dyeing mountain that I was scared to summit?! A $13 faux sheepskin rug from Ikea. I know, I know…pretty anti-climatic. Why was I stressing over this?
In all honestly, I couldn’t tell ya. It was just one of those things that seemed simple, but I knew deep down it could be a total failure. ANYWAY, long story short, I finally rolled the dice on this thing a couple of weeks ago (remember that orange bucket mess on Snapchat?) and am sharing the tutorial today.
Since this Ikea rug is made of a synthetic material, you won’t be able to use a standard dye, but it’s still super easy! Pinkie promise.
FYI – It’s recommended that you use the stovetop method for synthetic materials, but I wanted to try it my tried and true way to see if it would work. And it did! So, that’s the way I’ll show you how to dye this puppy.
Materials:
- TEJN faux sheepskin mini rug from Ikea
- fabric dye that works with synthetic materials (I used Rit synthetic)
- large bucket
- rubber gloves
- dowel rod or similar to continue pushing rug into dye
Instructions:
1. Start by submerging the faux sheepskin in water. Then, wring out the excess water and set aside.
2. Pour a full bottle of synthetic fabric dye into a bucket filled with 3 gallons of hot water. The hottest water you can get (just from your sink is fine – as long as it is hot).
3. Stir the dye bath thoroughly with a dowel rod or large spoon.
4. Lower the rug into the dye bath, all the way, making sure that the rug is fully submerged in the dye. Keep the rug submerged in the dye bath for 60-90 minutes. And stir every few minutes with dowel rod to ensure that the dye adheres properly. This is a lot longer than I would normally keep items in a dye bath, but I found that in this case, it needed to be in for that length of time, with the bucket method that I used.
5. Remove the rug from the dye, as you squeeze out any remaining water/dye from the rug. Lay flat until dry. Heat set in the dryer and its ready to use.
NOTE: Running the rug through the dryer did change the texture of the rug a little bit (made it fluffier) and I kind of with I wouldn’t have done it. So, keep that in mind… If you like the texture of the rug when it air dries, you may want to just leave it as is, without heat setting.
Photography by Rachel Brewer and Amelia Tatnall
Concept and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
Curious to know… Have you ever had a project that you put off starting for pretty much no reason at all? Really wondering if I’m a lone ranger on this one.
P.S. I just saw that Sweet Paul did an overdyed rug project with a regular rug, using a different method that looks pretty cool too, if you want to give that one a try.
55 comments | Click here to reply
How pretty and easy! Wouldn’t use that colour, but the technique is surely helpful!
Michelle | February 24th, 2016 at 9:57 amhttps://www.makeandmess.com/
Michelle recently posted..Super Easy Marquee Light
Thanks! What color would you use, Michelle?
Brittni | February 24th, 2016 at 10:44 amLove the end result! It looks like it cost way more than $13 too!
Rachel | The Crafted Life | February 24th, 2016 at 12:46 pmRachel | The Crafted Life recently posted..DIY Matisse Inspired Wall Art
Aw, thanks Rachel. Glad to hear that.
Brittni | February 24th, 2016 at 3:00 pmYours turned out well! I had seen a hot pink shaggy fur previously in a magazine and wanted to try, this post will come of help 🙂
Marwa | Enthralling Gumption | February 24th, 2016 at 3:48 pmMarwa | Enthralling Gumption recently posted..What’s enthralling this Friday vol #2
Oh yeah? I hadn’t seen that Marwa. I imagine a larger rug, throw, etc would be interesting to try too, though you may have to use a different method if it gets to be too large. Anyway, glad you liked this project.
Brittni | February 24th, 2016 at 4:00 pmGreat post! This looks like it turned out great! I’ve only experimented a very small bit in dying things, but it opens a whole other area of creativity & experimentation!
Alex | February 24th, 2016 at 5:19 pmI’ve had some clear christmas ball ornaments and some goldleaf foil sitting around since last Christmas from a DIY I had planned to do, and for some reason, could never get in the mood to actually work on! *sigh…* Maybe next Christmas!
Alex recently posted..The “Art” of Relaxation: Zentangle (How to Combat Stress & Anxiety By Doodling)
There’s ALWAYS next Christmas, Alex. 🙂 That’s happened to me quite a few times too. So you’re not alone.
Brittni | February 24th, 2016 at 5:59 pmI actually have put off dyeing a jacket I’ve had for year but never wore (because it was white). Anyone that knows me knows I’m too messy for white. So I decided to dye it dark green. After a year or so I finally dyed it 2 weeks ago and it turned out better than I thought it would! I’m thinking about dyeing sneakers next thanks to another post of yours you linked 😀 Can’t wait to see what you do next!
Krissy | February 24th, 2016 at 6:00 pmAwesome Krissy. Isn’t it the best when projects turn out better than you thought they would?!
Brittni | February 24th, 2016 at 7:46 pmhttp://www.boomcraftbeer.com
Charlie | February 25th, 2016 at 2:42 amI’ll definitely have to try it out, thanks for sharing:)
That rug is so chic, love the colour
Laura Mitbrodt | February 25th, 2016 at 3:03 amxo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Thanks Laura and Charlie! Appreciate that. 🙂
Brittni | February 25th, 2016 at 10:00 amThat’s such a great idea and I absolutely love the color you chose. I would also try a cute baby blue or minty green and just make a set, so lovely! Thanks for the idea!
Abigail Smycken | February 25th, 2016 at 10:32 amAbigail Smycken recently posted..Sculpted Sleeping Maidens, Goddesses, Empowered Women, etc.
Love the minty green idea, Abigail. I was also thinking about a deeper blue or rich teal. I actually have one more of these things that hasn’t been dyed yet. So, I’ll probably try one of those colors.
Brittni | February 25th, 2016 at 11:00 am[…] – Now I have a reason to dye everything pink! […]
Friday Links - The Crafted Life | February 26th, 2016 at 4:16 am[…] Ikea hack that will make you want to stop there this […]
Links to Love - Sarah Hearts | February 26th, 2016 at 12:55 pmMy irrational procrastination project…hypertufa planters. Have all of the stuff but I never make the time as I’m sure it’s going to be a big fail. But you’ve inspired me, it’s on the list for tomorrow.
I LOVE this project, I just ordered the dye. I have had 2 of these rugs for a few years and my 3 dogs and 1 catnot Now they look like matted dirty sheep after a heavy rain, the 4-leggers them. #nothingtolose
Mikki Anderson | February 26th, 2016 at 9:17 pmThis is such an adorable idea! I must try it! Also, that pillow is to die for, where is that from?
Ali | March 3rd, 2016 at 1:12 amGlad you overcame your fear of starting/ trying! Who hasn’t procrastinated a project in fear of failure? Kim is just writing a series of blog post about the fear of starting something new:
http://www.kimwerker.com/2016/02/26/3-ways-stop-fantasizing-start-making-dream-project/
iHanna | March 3rd, 2016 at 8:51 amiHanna recently posted..Collage | A Whole New World
Thanks Ali. The pillow is Confetti Riot. I got it from swenyo.com.
Brittni | March 3rd, 2016 at 11:53 am[…] Medená váza (a pair & a spare) 4. Ombre napkins | Obrúsky s ombré efektom (Eat Create Live) 5. Dyed faux sheepskin | Zafarbená umelá ovčia kožušina (Paper & Stitch) 6. Wood triangle bookends | Drevený držiak na knihy (Make and […]
6 Amazing DIY Decor Projects - Eat Create Live | March 8th, 2016 at 1:37 pmBeautiful rug! And a random question: where are those shoes from? They need to be mine.
Nancy | March 8th, 2016 at 8:23 pmThanks Nancy. The shoes are Jeffrey Campbell. I got them from Urban Outfitters last year, so I’m not sure if they’re still available. But I’ll cross my fingers for ya. 🙂
Brittni | March 8th, 2016 at 9:12 pm[…] your rugs a fresh pop of colour for a quick […]
» Dreaming of cosy corners | March 10th, 2016 at 11:04 pm[…] How to Die Faux Sheep Skin! I found this on pinterest the other day and I’m in love. I can’t wait to try it out. maybe this summer! […]
Friday Faves | Making Chic | March 11th, 2016 at 11:51 amI like this. I am thinking of all kinds of springy colors to use.
harzeez | March 29th, 2016 at 6:37 pmWhat about the pillow? Where’s it from?
Whitney | June 28th, 2016 at 9:48 pmHi Whitney. The pillow is from Confetti Riot. If you go to this post you’ll find the pillows and the exact source link where they can be purchased… http://www.papernstitchblog.com/2016/02/17/take-seat-make-budget-friendly-bench-hour/
Brittni | June 29th, 2016 at 2:50 pmGave this project a try a few days ago worked like a charm. One caveat, if you don’t fully let it dry before throwing it in the dryer, it will turn your dryer pink. Oops. Took a bit of effort to clean but the new rug was worth the hassle.
Lexi | July 2nd, 2016 at 8:39 pmLovin’ this idea (and the decision to choose pink !) Also I have to know where the throw pillow in the shot is from..
Anna | July 6th, 2016 at 11:05 pmGlad it worked out, Lexi, aside from the dryer cleaning. Whoops! 🙂
Brittni | July 6th, 2016 at 11:15 pmHi Anna. The pillow is from Confetti Riot. If you go to this post you’ll find the pillows and the exact source link where they can be purchased… http://www.papernstitchblog.com/2016/02/17/take-seat-make-budget-friendly-bench-hour/
Brittni | July 6th, 2016 at 11:15 pmLove this idea, but more importantly, Where did you get those shoes??
Victoria | July 18th, 2016 at 2:06 amHi Victoria. The shoes are from Urban Outfitters (they’re Jeffrey Campbell). But I’ve had them a while, so I don’t know if they’re available anymore.
Brittni | July 18th, 2016 at 10:50 am[…] I have been tempted to try my hand on dying for quite some time now. Then I saw this post at Brittni’s that refreshed my desire to pursue. Having moved to a new city my bad luck, I couldn’t […]
DIY Pink Dyed Faux Fur Lampshade for Curbly | Enthralling gumption | November 14th, 2016 at 3:26 pmI have a cream colored faux fur coat I want to dye a few different pastel colors, to get a tie dye look. Any recommendations on how to do it? I was going to use kool-aid cuz I’m cheap.
Jess | December 6th, 2016 at 7:02 pmThank you for this great tutorial! What happens if you don’t heat set the fabric using the dryer? Will it rub off everywhere? Thanks!
Audrey | December 27th, 2016 at 7:28 pmHi Audrey. I would recommend washing thoroughly and then heat setting the rug somehow or color could rub off or wear poorly. Hope that helps.
Brittni | January 4th, 2017 at 12:41 pm-Brittni
Did you use pink dye to get this color pink in the end? Or did the rug come out lighter than the official color on the bottle?
Do you wait until the fabric (in my case an INCREDIBLY soft lap rug) is darker than the final color you want before removing it from the tub? (i.e. is it darker when it is wet than the final color when it is dry?)
I want to dye this throw rug navy blue. Can dye change a microfiber from white to navy or will the rug end up a wishy-washy blue??
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge,
Pam Mahony
Pam Mahony | January 17th, 2017 at 3:22 pmThis looks great! Do you think it would work dying a faux fur coat from grey to black? Thanks!
Vicky | January 21st, 2017 at 4:58 amYou didn’t rinse the rug when removed from the dye?? Only squeezed excess water and dried it? Just want to make sure I don’t make a mistake!!
Rose D'Angelo Designs | January 27th, 2017 at 12:19 pmHi Rose. I did rinse the rug, to make sure all of the dye that had not fully adhered was completely gone. You can submerge it in a bucket of clean water or rinse underneath the sink. And then I put it in the dryer to heat set it, once it was all ringed out. But I didn’t wash it in the washing machine. Hope that helps.
Brittni | January 27th, 2017 at 12:31 pm[…] DIY found here […]
Main Scoop- PLUS A Giveaway!! – HAWTHORNE AND MAIN | February 6th, 2017 at 12:09 amHi Pam. Yes, the end will result with typically wash and dry lighter than what you see while still in the dyeing process. As for microfiber being dyed – I’m not 100% sure since I’ve not dyed microfiber before, but my guess would be using the dye specifically for synthetic fabric will work, just like it did for me.
Brittni | February 6th, 2017 at 12:51 am-Brittni
Hi Vicky. If there is not a sealant on the fabric that stops it from absorbing dye, it should work. Hope that helps.
Brittni | February 6th, 2017 at 12:53 am-Brittni
Does the fabric dye transfer to other materials? I want to dye a synthetic chair and I don’t want it to get on my clothes.
Lindsey | April 2nd, 2017 at 12:23 amHi Lindsey. You need to be able to wash the dye out of the material and then heat set it, as outlined in the tutorial. So if it’s a slipcover, that can be removed, washed, and dried – great. If not, I wouldn’t feel as comfortable recommending the dying. Hope that helps. Wishing you the best with your project.
Brittni | April 3rd, 2017 at 2:19 pm-Brittni
[…] long while back, I shared the how-to for dyeing synthetic materials with my faux fur rug project and it’s been on my list ever since to share how to dye […]
How to Dye (Almost) Anything You Can Get Your Hands On - The Natural Materials Guide - Paper and Stitch | April 24th, 2017 at 8:04 amI read how u dyed ur faux rug, my faux material is for a piñata I’m making for my niece, and I’m running out of time. I used a whole box of rit dye fushia bit it came out light pink & I really need it to be dk pink so it looks like the little girl poppy from the troll movie, any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Theresa | August 6th, 2017 at 2:04 pmHi Theresa. Each material will dye differently and dye times can be important too. For example, if you bought a fuchsia dye but it came out light pink, that would would mean that you either needed to leave the material in the dye much longer before rinsing OR the material that you are dyeing is not accepting the dye very well (it could have a coating on it that keeps it from dyeing effectively, etc).
Brittni | August 6th, 2017 at 7:29 pm-Brittni
I was wondering if I can dye dark color fur as well with any shade of synthetic dye. If any of you know please let me know thank you.
evelyn | August 8th, 2017 at 9:27 amHi Evenlyn. I don’t have any experience with doing this with a darker faux fur. BUT if the fur is dark to begin with, you will probably have a harder time with the dye. My guess would be that it would probably add a sheen of color over the dark, but it’s possible that it wouldn’t be very noticeable. You could try bleaching the darker material first before dyeing with a color to see if that helps?
Brittni | August 8th, 2017 at 10:20 am-Brittni
What would you suggest if I want to take a pale pink fur to white? Any ideas?
Alexander | September 19th, 2017 at 6:07 pmHi Alexander.cI think bleach would be your only option there. But sometimes bleach doesn’t work either, depending on the coating on the fur.
Brittni | September 19th, 2017 at 6:11 pm