How to Use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative
Posted by Ciara on 28th Mar 2024
How to Use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative
Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative reduces bleeding, fading and even enhances the colour of your project. It works on cotton, linen, silk, wool, ramie and rayon. For best results, use immediately after dyeing, before rinsing and laundering.
Fun tip: Commercially dyed items and previously hand-dyed items can also be treated with ColorStay Dye Fixative before laundering for the first time. However, the results may not be as apparent or long-lasting as when used after your own Rit project.
Select your Method
For general projects, use the sink or bucket method.
For maximum effectiveness, use the stovetop method.
If you are working with small items or are looking to apply ColorStay Dye Fixative to a small / partially dyed (i.e. dip dyed) area, then use the spray method.
If you are dyeing large items or are looking for the easiest way to apply ColorStay Dye Fixative, then use the washing machine method.
- Sink or Bucket
- Stovetop
- Spray
- Washing Machine
Supplies
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative
- Plastic Container or Stainless Steel Sink
- Large Metal Spoon
Instructions
Step 1.
Before dyeing, remove any visibile stains on the fabric. This will help achieve uniform colour results when dyeing. Prewash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
Step 2.
Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with hot tap water. Pour well-shaken ColorStay Dye Fixative into container or sink. Mix well.
Step 3.
Wearing rubber gloves, add ColorStay Dye Fixative to bath.
Step 4.
Add fabric to bath.
- If you are working with fabric that was tie dyed or shibori dyed, place the bound fabric into the bath. Placing unbound fabric into the bath could result in dye bleeding into the white areas.
- If you are working with fabric that was ombré dyed or dip dyed, Only place the dyed part of the garment into the bath. If you submerge the entire garment, dye could bleed into other areas.
Step 5.
Stir slowly and continuously on and off for 20 minutes. If you dyed the clothing, it is very likely that unbonded dye that is still on the fabric will end up in the bath. That is completely normal and will not alter the results.
Step 6.
Rinse in cool water.
Step 7.
Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
Supplies
- Rit ColoStay Dye Fixative
- Stainless Steel Pot
- Measuring Cup
- Metal Tongs
- Rubber Gloves
Instructions
Step 1.
Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from getting stained and to insulate them when working with hot water.
Step 2.
For every 1/2-kilogram of dry fabric (i.e. two adult large t-shirts), use 120 mL of ColorStay Dye Fixative with 11.5 L of water.
Step 3.
Fill a stainless steel pot with water. Cover pot and heat water on stove top to just below boiling (93°C or greater).
Step 4.
When water begins to simmer, shake bottle and pour ColorStay Dye Fixative into pot. Mix well.
Step 5.
Add fabric to bath.
- If you are working with fabric that was tie dyed or shibori dyed, place the bound fabric into the bath. Placing unbound fabric into the bath could result in dye bleeding into the white areas.
- If you are working with fabric that was ombré dyed or dip dyed, only place the dyed part of the garment into the bath. If you submerge the entire garment, dye could bleed into other areas.
Step 6.
Keep temperature at a low simmer for the duration of use.
Step 7.
Stir slowly and continuously on and off for 20 minutes. If you dyed the clothing, it is very likely that unbonded dye that is still on the fabric will end up in the bath. That is completely normal and will not alter the results.
Step 8.
Rinse in warm water and then gradually cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
Step 9.
Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
Supplies
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative
- Sprayer
- Plastic Table Cover
Instructions
Step 1.
Screw spray trigger onto the top of the ColorStay Dye Fixative bottle or pour solution into a Preval Sprayer or spray bottle.
Step 2.
Hang or lay dyed item flat on a work surface protected with a plastic cover.
Step 3.
Spray item liberally with ColorStay Dye Fixative. Allow to set for 20 minutes.
Step 4.
Optional: Applying heat helps relax the fibers so that ColorStay Dye Fixative can penetrate the fibers effectively. You could apply heat by blowing the item with a hair dryer or laying the item in the sun. You could also use the Microwave Method to apply heat.
Step 5.
Rinse in cool water.
Step 6.
Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
Supplies
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative
- Washing Machine
- Measuring Spoon
Instructions
Front Loader Instructions
Step 1.
Please Note: We do not recommend this method for extra-large items or multiple items.
Step 2.
Place item(s) in the washing machine.
Step 3.
Set water temperature to the hottest possible setting and a wash cycle of at least 20 minutes or longer.
Step 4.
Start the cycle.
Step 5.
Use 4 ounces of ColorStay Dye Fixative for every pound or 1/2-kilogram of dry fabric.
Step 6.
Pour ColorStay Dye Fixative into the dispenser.
Step 7.
Flush dispenser with 4 cups or 950 mL of hot water.
Step 8.
Once cycle is complete, wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
Step 9.
Clean machine by rerunning cycle with hot water and detergent.
Top Loader Instructions
Step 1.
Using the hottest water setting, fill the machine with enough water for the fabric to move freely. Choose wash cycle of at least 20 minutes or longer.
Step 2.
Use 4 ounces of ColorStay Dye Fixative for every pound or 1/2-kilogram of dry fabric.
Step 3.
Pour ColorStay Dye Fixative into the machine.
Step 4.
Place item(s) in the washing machine.
Step 5.
Once cycle is complete, wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
Step 6.
Clean machine by rerunning cycle with hot water and detergent.