Updated at: 01-06-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

When you first start dyeing curtains, it might be scary because there are so many variables to consider: choosing the right dye colors for your curtain material; figuring out the appropriate proportions based on weight.

Then, without spilling anything, fully combine and whisk everything. Be assured that you will learn how to color transparent curtains in this post.

Choose Your sheer Curtain Material to be Dyed

The first step on how to dye sheer curtains is choosing the right sheer curtain material. Check to see if the fabric used to make your curtains can be colored.

Dyeing Sheer Curtains a Different Color | ThriftyFun

In my own flat, for example, I investigated to see what materials were used and if they could be dyed before commencing my dye job on natural fabric.

You should be aware that not all dyes can be used to color different types of fabric. Because of this, most will have the same powers and restrictions. However If you want the best results, test the dye on a variety of fabrics before applying it. For this reason, it’s possible that some colours are more resistant than others.

Some dye colors cannot be applied to polyester or acetate-based fabrics, however rayon and nylon may be suitable alternatives.

Step #1: Prewashing

Pre-washing the sheer curtains is the first stage in the process of dyeing them. Pre-washing the curtains is critical before dyeing them. Make sure there are no stains or residues left on the fabric, which can interfere with the dyeing process.

Pre-washing removes potential sources of uneven coloring in new and old fabrics, allowing for a more equal and proper absorption of color. Only detergent should be used.

A well-ventilated environment and no extra dampness should be allowed to come into touch with the curtains in order to speed up their drying process. They are ready for dyeing when they are entirely or nearly dried.

Step #2: Choosing your dye color

When it comes to dying your curtains, the possibilities are nearly limitless. Probably the best way to get an idea of what each hue looks like is to look at images and reviews. As long as it complements your style, choose for a color that you like!

Step #3: Use Color Remover

Wash away any excess color using a color remover.

This kit comes with detailed instructions on how to use it to get rid of unwanted color.

  • 3-4 packets of colour remover should be added to a washing machine’s tub that is three-quarters full.
  • Your curtains should be submerged in water while they soak in the laundry for 10 minutes or so, but if you have stubborn stains that won’t come out of the washer after that time, then wait 30 minutes before removing them. Rewash them in hot/cold cycles without detergent (or with a very small amount) once they’ve been drained.

Step #4: Weighing

Scale your curtains to get the most accurate reading. Scale oneself in a large container with nothing but a curtain attached to it, then do the same thing with the other container, which should be absolutely empty.

Keep in mind that the weight per square meter or yardage you’re using is based on entire fabric, not just what is visible from the outside. This is especially true when looking at clothing with pockets sewed into the lining on the inside, since these linings are not often visible from the outside.

Light colors, such as white, require twice the amount of dye as dark ones, such as black.

Knowing the quantity is the fifth step.

When it comes to powdered colors, many people worry how much should be put in a pot. Generally, one box of pigment goes in for every pound (.45 kg) of material that needs to be colored – thus a mixing ratio of around 10 parts pigment:1 part diluent (e.g., 15 ml water).

Dying properly

It’s crucial to keep in mind that the amount of boiling water needed for each piece of clothes varies. For every 1 lb (450g) of cloth, you should use 3 gallons (12 L) of water.

Due to the fact that cotton absorbs color more quickly than wool or silk, it requires a higher quantity of heat.

Step #6: Preparing your dye

Because the preparation processes for liquid and powder dyes differ so significantly, it is possible that both types will require a distinct approach. Before applying a liquid dye, it is recommended that you vigorously shake it for at least one minute, depending on the type you are using. Before they may be used, powder dyestuffs must be completely dissolved in 2 cups (500 ml) of hot water.

Step #7: Mix the dye

Mixing the dye is the next stage in dying sheer curtains. Using a basin or a washing machine, add the desired amount of dye to the water and swirl until the dye is completely incorporated into the colorless water.

If you want to successfully dye curtains, you must use hot water to activate the dye.

Even and pure results are more likely to be achieved if you soak the curtain in warm soapy water before placing it in a bathtub or sink full of boiling-hot tap water.

For five minutes, soak the curtains in the dye bath. The immersion method, which involves totally submerging yourself under the water’s surface, should only be used if you have a washing machine; otherwise, start the spin cycle and let it run until it’s finished; this could take 20-30 minutes.

How to Make Sheer Curtains More Private | ValidHouse

To the dye bath water, add vinegar and salt. White vinegar is better for silk, wool and nylon since it has a lower pH and so helps intensify the colors. Salts work best on cotton, linen, ramie and rayon.

The salts/vinegar can assist flow around more readily through the fabric fibers during the first 5 minutes when there isn’t much agitation yet, so add 1 cup (250 ml) of either liquid detergent to 3 gallons (12 L) of water.

For a specified color, soak the curtains for around two hours in the dye solution. But if things don’t go according to plan, leave them there until they’ve reached the correct hue and brightness for you.

In order to get the best results, the curtains should be agitated constantly while they are being dyed. Using a dyeing machine? Make sure to use the “agitate” cycle and keep stirring for the duration of the dying process. A large painting stick or board can be used to mix the dye in a tub or sink while you are hand-dying.

Step #8: Finishing

To complete how to dye sheer curtains, we’ve reached the end of the process. Immediately after coloring your curtains with fabric dye, place them in the washing machine for a warm wash cycle.

Set the dye, add a detergent, and run your garments through a warm to cold wash cycle.

To prevent the curtains from microbial growth, it is essential to dry them.

Toss them in your dryer and tumble dry on low until they are totally dry, or hang them outside on a clothesline where it will take roughly one day per foot length depending on weather conditions, but should air entirely after two days maximum if there is no rain anticipated.

HOW TO DYE FABRIC – THE DO’S & DON’TS

We worked on a basement project over the weekend, which included IKEA drapery panels, as I stated earlier this week. Colorful curtains can be difficult to get at a reasonable price if you’re trying for a minimalistic or neutral design. IKEA doesn’t offer a wide variety of colors. I decided to colour my hair after trying three different options and not liking any of them. A bespoke color combination and fabric or textile manipulation to achieve your desired result may sound frightening, but it’s not as tough as you would think. A few “do’s and don’ts” are included in the instruction. I’ve had a lot of both over the years, and now is the time to share them with you! The finished drapes can also be seen in the basement.

My history in textiles is well-known to those who have been following along for some time, and I used to do this sort of stuff frequently during my time in art school. I was in the dye lab all the time, trying out new things. My time there was a great experience for me. While working with cloth on a regular basis, I haven’t dyed anything in a long time. As a result of my lack of practice, I decided to write this post. If you want to alter the color of your curtains or fabric, this is your go-to guide for what to do and what not to do.

The following are a few quick rules or truths to keep in mind before you get started:

  1. You can change the color of a piece of fabric by making it darker, bolder, or more saturated, but you can’t make it lighter.
  2. It’s more difficult to dye fabric a uniform, solid hue than an organic or unintentional design (like shibori).
  3. You shouldn’t be alarmed if your cloth comes out splotchy… Overdying is an option.
  4. The more harder it is to dye a large item or piece of fabric, the larger it is.
  5. Always do a dye batch and color test before using the fabric.
  6. For each type of material or cloth, there is a certain dye that should be used.
SUPPLIES + TOOLS
  • tote, bucket, or container (in my experience, storage totes work best)
  • rit dyeing (natural or synthetic, depending on your fabric)
  • scalding water
  • acidity or saltiness (I use rock salt)
  • gloves made of rubber
  • spoon or utensil made of stainless steel
  • glass jug for measurement
  • Laundry soap
  • cloth (curtain panels in my instance)
  • marker with a sharpie

When I bought these Tibast cotton curtain panels from IKEA, I wasn’t a fan of the hue. A deep navy curtain was exactly what I wanted. Because I decided to colour them, that’s the obvious reason for this article. Here’s how I went about it:

The first step is to select a dye. Due to the fact that my curtains were made entirely of cotton, I dyed them using Rit dye. Synthetic materials can also be dyed using their product. Determine the proper dye for your project by inspecting your fabric.

Step 2 / Soak or pre-wash your cloth, if necessary. Warm water in my kitchen sink did wonders for my cloth. An even coloration can be achieved by wetting the fabric thoroughly.

Find a container of dye. During this time, prepare your dye bath. To begin, locate a container large enough to accommodate your fabric. This project will go more smoothly if the container is larger. I began out with a 5-gallon bucket, but quickly realized that wasn’t the best option. I was able to agitate and manipulate the fabric more easily with the help of the plastic totes.

This is the final step in the process. To dye my cloth consistently, I used a marker to mark the fill line on my containers. In order to avoid having to measure the water each time I filled up the containers, I set up a “fill line.”

Add the ingredients in step 5. To my fill line, I poured 4 ounces of blue color and 2 ounces of black dye, along with 1 cup of rock salt. I continued to swirl the dye bath until it was completely clear.

Step 6 / Drop a color sample into the fabric to see how it looks. A white paper towel or a scrap piece of cloth can be dipped into the dye water to see if the color is correct. Submerge your cloth if all is well. At a time, I coloured only one curtain panel.

It’s time to start moving. Set a timer and agitate the fabric every 5 to 10 minutes to ensure an equal dyeing process. Each cycle was documented in a journal as a way for me to stay on top of things… After agitating, wait seven minutes, then agitate again. Make sure the fabric isn’t crumpled or folded on itself by moving it around. If there is any resistance, the dye bath will result in lighter or splotchy dyed results By agitating, you can ensure that the dye reaches all of the spots and covers the fabric fully. Depending on how dark or saturated you want the color to be, I put my cloth in the dye bath for 30 minutes, but you may leave it in there for as long as 60 minutes.

Rinse off the soap. It’s important to take care when removing and rinsing the fabric out of the dye bath. To keep the mess to a minimum, I simply used the yard hose.

10 Best Sheer Curtains 2018 - Pretty Sheer Curtain Panels and Drapes

Step 9/Wash. After that, use a light or gentle detergent to wash the garment. Because I was aiming to shrink my curtain panels, I washed them on the warm setting.

Finally! After tumble-drying my cloth, I was pleased with how even and clean it looked. Once again, I’m providing some “do’s and don’ts” because it took me a while to get the hang of the procedure and figure out how to get the dye to spread evenly. They ended up like this…

DO:
  • A large container is recommended.
  • Check to see if the dye is safe to use on the material you’re using.
  • Set a timer for agitation.
  • Rubber gloves and old clothes are recommended (it gets pretty messy).
  • Your formula, dye time, and other notes should be recorded.
  • Before adding the fabric to the dye water, make sure the color you want is what you want.
  • Make use of a measuring cup.
DON’T:
  • Make the mistake of failing to dampen the fabric before dyeing it!
  • Set your agitation timer, but then forget to turn it off.
  • Measurements of the eyeball.
  • Salt and vinegar are unnecessary.
  • Inflate the dye bath to its utmost capacity.
  • Mixing multiple dye colors is not a bad idea.

That’s it, I believe! Any questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact me. In preparation for our basement renovation, I colored a TON of curtains. I completed 16 panels of dyeing, which was a lot of work! Even though it took a lot of time and effort, the finished product was well worth it, and doing it myself also saved me a lot of money. I was also able to get a color that was great for me. For $200, I’m hoping no one notices that it’s not a high-end bespoke drapery.

Conclusion

I hope that after reading this essay, you now know how to color transparent curtains. You don’t need to be an expert to complete the process because the processes are straightforward. If you follow the instructions in this article, even a complete novice can successfully color sheer curtains.