Preparation for dyeing

The Story
This silk chiffon, heavily beaded cocktail dress had some small stains which prompted the new colour. After dyeing, the sequins became a dark navy and the pearls a frosted blue. The glass beads stayed clear creating a visible highlight!
Fibre/Fabric: dress and slip-silk, accessories-glass beads, white sequins and pearls
Original colour: pale blue
Dye colour: sapphire

Recommended preparation

• clean the article thoroughly before dyeing, especially when choosing to dye
mid to light colours.

• ‘black’ and ‘ink’ are the best colours to cover stains like bleach, ink,
coffee, wine (dye does not cover paint, white-out and plastisol prints)

• ‘raw’ fabric seams must be over-locked to prevent fraying while dyeing in water.

• remove leather (labels, trim etc) as dyeing will shrink and harden leather.

• secure holes or tears to prevent them enlarging during dyeing.

• buttons (polyester or nylon) are dyed during processing. If delicate
(shell, glass) remove them. If buttons deteriorate or fall off during dyeing,
Cullachange does not replace them.

• remove anything you do not want dyed.Cullachange can provide and quote for
any of these services

Choosing your new colour

Dye penetrates fabric fibres, so the final colour is a combination of the original shade,
the new dye and it’s absorption by the fabric. For colour accuracy, dyes are calculated
precisely and items are processed individually.If an item has been in use for some time,
it is better to choose a dark colour. The reason for this is that some areas attract ‘excess’
dye due to residual chemicals within the fabric (deodorant, spot cleaning agents etc).
This ‘excess’ dye may be just on the surface and will disappear after a hot wash or spot
cleaning. If not, a darker colour is required to hide the unevenness.
We cannot dye ‘white’ or return whites to their former glory as it presents technical
difficulties on small garments

Cullachange can provide a quote for any of the following preparations…

- If choosing a light colour, wash or clean before dyeing
- ‘Raw’ fabric edges or seams should be overlocked before dyeing
- Remove leather, shell and aluminium accessories
- Secure holes or torn areas
- Remove anything you don’t want dyed.