Learn how to dye synthetic material the easy way.
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 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 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 tutorial I’m sharing today…
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
How to Dye Synthetic Material
1. Submerge the rug in water.
Start by submerging the faux sheepskin in water. Then, wring out the excess water and set aside.
2. Create the dye bath.
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 dye bath.
Stir the dye bath thoroughly with a dowel rod or large spoon.
4. Submerge the rug in the dye.
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. Squeeze water out, lay flat, and heat set.
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.
How to Dye Synthetic Material
Ingredients
- 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
Submerge the rug in water.
- Start by submerging the faux sheepskin in water. Then, wring out the excess water and set aside.
Create the dye bath.
- 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).
Stir dye bath.
- Stir the dye bath thoroughly with a dowel rod or large spoon.
Submerge the rug in the dye.
- 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.
Squeeze water out, lay flat, and heat set.
- 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.
Notes
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.
77 comments | Click here to reply
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks A Lot!
SITUS KOKTOGELIt’s wonderful that you are getting ideas from this paragraph as
SITUS KOKTOGELwell as from our discussion made at this place.
HELLO I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.
SITUS KOKTOGELKristen – I didn’t, but I washed it really well initially… As long as you wash it really, really well the first time (maybe even double wash it that first time), then you should be fine. Hope that helps. You can wash according to the washing instructions of the material you are dyeing.
BrittniIt’s worth trying, it looks very easy and practical.
Batik9Hi I was wondering if you’ve had any issues with the dye fading when you wash the rug? Also how do you clean it in the washing machine or by hand? Thank you, love the idea im going to try it with my faux rugs!
KristenWhat do you think about dyeing Sherpa fabric?
Cat LicciIf you run a fine toothed comb or clean pet brush through the rug it should regain its normal texture.
LilyI’m a grammar nut. You said you wish you wouldn’t have done it; it should be I wish I hadn’t done it.
Emma LoveSorry, just had to say that. I hear very educated people say that; usually from Missouri or somewhere near. You also don’t say “Give to him and I.”
I is NEVER the object; it’s always the subject.
You say “Give it to him and me.” Ok, maybe you
don’t do that, but many, many educated people do that. I heard a prominent man recently say
Give to me and she. No No No! You say
Give to her and me; she is always the subject.
OK, I feel better now. Sorry.
Your pink project turned out beautifully.
Hi, I just found your post during a Google search trying to look up if I could use black dollar store permanent hair dye to dye my fabric sofa… thoughts?
Erin AdamDo you think I could use this technique for faux fur, to make gnome beards
Kimberly RobinsonDo you think I could use this method using faux fur to dye colors for gnome beards??
Kim RobinsonHI! I am writing to you today as a last-ditch effort! I ordered a 100% polyester sherpa romper for a costume for Halloween.. unfortunately the color it came in is a rose off white rather than the mocha I had hoped for… I am being told all over the internet dyeing this material is never going to work but your post gave me hope! I was thinking of using the rit dyemore in the shade chocolate brown following your instructions! Do you have any experience with this/do you think it would work/do you have any tips? I am begging any and all feedback is appreciated 🙂
celesteDo you know if it’s possible to dye just the tips of faux fur? There’s so many shrugs that would benefit from a little depth like that, but possibly the immersion method would have to be altered
KateHi Catie! Love the innovation LOL….That might work! I can’t be certain because I haven’t tried it myself. But in theory, that could work! Maybe test it out on a similar material scrap first so you can be sure? And please let me know how it goes!
Brittni-Brittni
Thank you so much! Do you think a curling iron would work to set the dye? That I could get in the shoe- and have an old one- trying to be innovative lol!
CatieHi Catie. The only thing I can think would be to use a paint brush and textile paint like this one, which acts like a dye: https://www.dickblick.com/products/jacquard-dye-na-flow-fabric-colors/?clickTracking=true&wmcp=pla&wmcid=items&wmckw=01218-1009&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI28-Dsd-m5wIVk5OzCh059Q2BEAQYAiABEgILUvD_BwE . It does require a heat set though, which means if you can’t get an iron into the inside of the shoe or run it through a clothes dryer, it can’t be set and probably shouldn’t be used. I wish I could be more helpful, but I don’t know what else I would suggest in this instance.
Brittni-Brittni
https://www.shoes.com/dr-martens-serena-fur-lined-8-eye-boot/789241/1691309?cm_mmc=googleproductads_pla_with_promotion-_-none-_-none-_-none&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwNeHj9um5wIVCbSzCh07HQeAEAQYAiABEgKd4_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Hi Rachel- I need your help! I own these boots in the same black color, but my fur is black- a product they no longer sell (trust me I have even requested a special order!). This may seem extra, but I want to try to dye the faux fur on the inside of these black- I don’t know how to do this without submerging the boot- which will damage the leather. I’m thinking about using cotton ball application- but please help! You are the expert and this is a project I am scared to attempt but really want to have the black fur!
CatieI’m currently dying a cream colored faux fur jacket *hopefully* mustard yellow! fingers crossed it turns out as lovely as this!
lindsay[…] 29. dyed faux fur rug DIY […]
63 Awesome DIY Gifts for Everyone on Your List + What's your Favorite Gift You've Ever Received?! - Paper and Stitch[…] via papernstitchblog […]
31 Easy DIY Room Decor Ideas That Are Basically Magic - Crafts On FireThis looks like a cool way of doing it. I’m going to have to try it! When I wash and dry my faux fur, I machine wash in cold and put the item in a pillowcase and dry on low in the dryer. It will keep the end of the fur from melting and changing the texture. Now…what color am I going to try? Lol
StoneyThanks!
Hi Alexander.cI think bleach would be your only option there. But sometimes bleach doesn’t work either, depending on the coating on the fur.
BrittniWhat would you suggest if I want to take a pale pink fur to white? Any ideas?
AlexanderHi 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-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.
evelynHi 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-Brittni
I 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[…] 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 StitchHi 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-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.
LindseyHi Vicky. If there is not a sealant on the fabric that stops it from absorbing dye, it should work. Hope that helps.
Brittni-Brittni
Hi 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-Brittni
[…] DIY found here […]
Main Scoop- PLUS A Giveaway!! – HAWTHORNE AND MAINHi 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.
BrittniYou 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 DesignsThis looks great! Do you think it would work dying a faux fur coat from grey to black? Thanks!
VickyDid 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 MahonyHi 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-Brittni
Thank you for this great tutorial! What happens if you don’t heat set the fabric using the dryer? Will it rub off everywhere? Thanks!
AudreyI 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[…] 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 gumptionHi 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.
BrittniLove this idea, but more importantly, Where did you get those shoes??
VictoriaHi 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/
BrittniGlad it worked out, Lexi, aside from the dryer cleaning. Whoops! 🙂
BrittniLovin’ this idea (and the decision to choose pink !) Also I have to know where the throw pillow in the shot is from..
AnnaGave 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.
LexiHi 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/
BrittniWhat about the pillow? Where’s it from?
WhitneyI like this. I am thinking of all kinds of springy colors to use.
harzeez[…] 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[…] your rugs a fresh pop of colour for a quick […]
» Dreaming of cosy cornersThanks 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. 🙂
BrittniBeautiful rug! And a random question: where are those shoes from? They need to be mine.
Nancy[…] 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 LiveThanks Ali. The pillow is Confetti Riot. I got it from swenyo.com.
BrittniGlad 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/
iHannaThis is such an adorable idea! I must try it! Also, that pillow is to die for, where is that from?
AliMy 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[…] Ikea hack that will make you want to stop there this […]
Links to Love - Sarah Hearts[…] – Now I have a reason to dye everything pink! […]
Friday Links - The Crafted LifeLove 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.
BrittniThat’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 SmyckenThanks Laura and Charlie! Appreciate that. 🙂
BrittniThat rug is so chic, love the colour
Laura Mitbrodtxo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
http://www.boomcraftbeer.com
CharlieI’ll definitely have to try it out, thanks for sharing:)
Awesome Krissy. Isn’t it the best when projects turn out better than you thought they would?!
BrittniI 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!
KrissyThere’s ALWAYS next Christmas, Alex. 🙂 That’s happened to me quite a few times too. So you’re not alone.
BrittniGreat 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!
AlexI’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!
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.
BrittniYours 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 GumptionAw, thanks Rachel. Glad to hear that.
BrittniLove the end result! It looks like it cost way more than $13 too!
Rachel | The Crafted LifeThanks! What color would you use, Michelle?
BrittniHow pretty and easy! Wouldn’t use that colour, but the technique is surely helpful!
Michellehttps://www.makeandmess.com/