Check the label in your suit to make sure it is nylon or a nylon/spandex blend. If you are dyeing over another color, make sure to choose a dye that is much darker than the original. For example, if your suit is yellow, choose black or dark blue dye for the best results. The dye will not work on a dark colored suit.
It is important to use an oversized pot to avoid hot water and dye bubbling over. Remove your suit from the pot once you’ve decided on the amount of water. You will want to add the dye to the pot of water and stir it in thoroughly before putting your swimsuit back in.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how much dye to use for your swimsuit. Typically, you will use one package of powder dye for every 1 pound (450 g) of fabric or less.
Vinegar and citric acid are equally effective as fixatives. Citric acid is cheaper and doesn’t smell, but most people already have vinegar on hand.
Once you’ve removed your suit, rinse it in very hot water until the water runs clear. When you hang your suit to dry, make sure you place an old towel underneath to prevent staining your floor. Hand wash your suit alone for the first few washings.
Check the label in your suit to make sure you have a polyester or poly blend suit. Take important safety precautions when using disperse dye. Wear a face mask, rubber gloves, and an apron. Make sure the space you are using to do the dyeing is well ventilated. Only attempt to dye a suit that is light to medium in color and always choose a dye that is darker than the original color.
An alternative to soda ash is Synthrapol, another agent that helps dyes set into synthetic fibers. Use 1⁄2 teaspoon (2. 5 ml) for 1 pound (450 g) of fabric. Combine the Synthrapol with warm water and wash your suit in the mixture. [7] X Research source
The amount of dye you use will vary according to the depth of color you are trying to achieve. For a pale shade, you can use as little as 1⁄4 teaspoon (1. 2 ml). For medium shades, use 3⁄4 teaspoon (3. 7 ml) and for dark shades, up the dye amount to 3 teaspoons (15 ml).
Remove your suit from the pot once you’ve decided on the amount of water. You will want to add the dye and dispersing agent into the pot before putting your swimsuit back in.
Dissolved disperse dye 1⁄2 teaspoon (2. 5 ml) of dispersing agent Your suit
If it becomes clear that the color is not dark enough, you can add more dissolved dye to the bath at any time.
Place an old towel underneath your suit as it dries to protect the floor from any excess dye. The dye might bleed when you wash your suit for the first few times. To prevent damage to your clothing, wash the suit on its own.
Use rubber gloves to protect your skin while preparing the dye and while dyeing your swimsuit.
Dyeing time can be anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes depending on the base color of the suit and how dark of a shade you want. When using multiple colors, expect some of the colors to run together at the edges and create a new color. This will add more interest and color to your suit and is preferable to leaving areas without dye coverage. If you are using only one color, you can use a large dye bath and fully submerge the suit once you’ve tied it off with rubber bands.
Place an old towel underneath the suit as it drys to catch any excess dye. The first few times the suit is washed, wash it alone in case it bleeds.
