Natural dyes operate at the cellular level with organic fibers — organic is defined as originating from plant or animal sources. Polyester fibers are not made up of cells, but consist of long chains of molecules derived from oil as an industrial byproduct. Although liquid polyester can be coloured during the fiber-formation process, modern chemical peels have been developed to color finished polyester textiles. To dye polyester drapes, you need chemical dyes that react with the artificial fibers. The type of chemical peels used for polyester cloths is known as dispersion dyes. It’s possible to dye polyester drapes in the home using dispersion dyes at a hot-water dye bath. For best results, use only dyes that are made for polyester fibers. Always follow the dye maker’s specific instructions, such as using additives that are recommended.
Chemically scrub the polyester drapes in a hot-water washing machine cycle using soda ash, or sodium carbonate, and Synthrapol to prepare them for dyeing. Commercially available washing soda is made up of sodium carbonate. Some manufacturers add optical brighteners or leak agents to washing soda that cut on the purity of this product, so check on the tag for additional ingredients. You can also find soda ash at swimming pool supply stores. Add 1/2 teaspoon of soda ash and 1/2 teaspoon of Synthrapol per pound of dry fabric into the washing machine. Three to 4 yards of broadcloth-weight fabric weigh about 1 pound. Don’t dry the drapes.
Heat enough water in a huge pot on the stove so the drapes can move freely in the grass. Mix the dye into the water, stirring to mix well. Add the dye carrier merchandise, if applicable. Dye carrier is a chemical agent that helps color particles bond to the polyester fibers — it is vital to attain bright or dark colours. Read the dye maker’s instructions; you may not need dye provider for pastel colours.
Immerse the moist curtains in the dye bath. Heat the grass at a medium or medium-high atmosphere, and bring the dye water to a simmer. Continue stirring the fabric to keep it going at the simmering dye bath for at least 30 minutes. Bright or dark colors may need 45 to 60 minutes. Remember that the color of wet fabric is far more extreme than when it’s dry.
Heat another huge pot of clear water to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, checking the temperature using a thermometer. Lift the curtains from the dye bath attentively with sturdy wooden utensils and then transfer them into the pot of clear water.
Stir the drapes in the 180 degrees Fahrenheit water to rinse them thoroughly, heating fresh water as needed until the rinse water is crystal clear and there is absolutely no odor. Dispersion dyes have to be rinsed in warm water to remove stray color particles. Incomplete rinsing or rinsing in water at a cooler temperature leads to an unpleasant odor that can be impossible to remove from the fabric.
Launder the dyed drapes after rinsing. Dry the drapes in a dryer or hang them from direct sunlight.