How to Change Colour
One of the most popular features of using Rit is that you can completely customise your clothing. Whether it’s something new that you wish came in a specific colour (and doesn’t) or something you own that you are just sick of, use Rit to completely transform that item into your favourite colour.
Select Your Dye Type
The first step to changing colour is to check the care tag for the fibre content of the item you plan to dye.
If the item you plan to dye is a natural fabric (such as cotton, linen silk, ramie or wool) or is either nylon or rayon, then select the instructions for working with Rit All-Purpose Dye below.
If the item you plan to dye contains more than 35% synthetic material (such as polyester, acrylic or acetate), then select the instructions for working with Rit DyeMore for Synthetics below.
All-Purpose Dye
Instructions
If the garment you are planning to dye has a light colour and you are looking to dye it a darker colour: Then all we recommend doing is following the standard instructions for how to use Rit All-Purpose Dye. If you are trying to get as dark of a colour as possible, please also read our tips on how to get the darkest colour possible.
If you are looking to: (a) dye a dark garment a lighter colour or (b) completely change the colour of a garment from one colour to another (such as from purple to blue): Then you must first use Rit Color Remover to remove the colour from the garment, bringing it to a white or off-white colour. You will then have a blank canvas to achieve a true colour with whatever dye you choose to use. Once the colour is removed, follow the instructions for how to use Rit All-Purpose Dye.
*If you are dyeing something with a print or logo: If you use Color Remover, it will most likely not remove the colour from a print or logo. Accordingly, the colour you choose to overdye with will mix with the existing colour(s) in the fabric and create new colours. In other words, the rules of colour mixing apply. When selecting a colour, think about how it will mix with the colours in the pattern. For example, if you were to use a blue dye on a white item with a pink flower pattern, the pink flowers will turn purplish (blue and pink make purple) while the rest of the fabric will dye blue. Even if you were to overdye the patterned garment with a dark colour, you may find that the colour will appear lighter along the patterned area.
Rit Dyemore for Synthetics
If the garment you are planning to dye has a light colour and you are looking to dye it a darker colour: Then all we recommend doing is following the standard instructions for how to use Rit DyeMore. Please note that due to the complexity of dyeing synthetics, you must use the stovetop method when dyeing with Rit DyeMore. If you are trying to get as dark of a colour as possible, please also read our tips on how to get the darkest colour possible.
If you are looking to: (a) dye a dark garment a lighter colour or (b) completely change the colour of a garment from one colour to another (such as from purple to blue): Then your options are limited. Unfortunately, Rit Color Remover will most likely not work on your synthetic garment. You can try it, but we cannot guarantee that it will successfully remove the colour. Your only other option is to follow traditional colour mixing rules. Remember those from school? If you dye an item that is pink with a blue dye, you will most likely get a purple shade. If you are willing to give this a try, we strongly recommend that you contact us first so we can help you figure out the right dye or color formula to use.
*If you are dyeing something with a print or logo: The colour you choose to overdye with will mix with the existing colour(s) in the fabric and create new colours. In other words, the rules of colour mixing apply. When selecting a colour, think about how it will mix with the colours in the pattern. For example, if you were to use a blue dye on a white item with a pink flower pattern, the pink flowers will turn purplish (blue and pink make purple) while the rest of the fabric will dye blue. Even if you were to overdye the patterned garment with a dark colour, you may find that the colour will appear lighter along the patterned area.