Reverse Tie Dye with Out White Bright: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tie-dyeing is a fun and popular activity, but have you ever heard of reverse tie-dyeing? This technique involves removing color from fabric instead of adding it. Reverse tie-dyeing can create unique and interesting designs that are perfect for a variety of DIY projects. In this post, we’ll show you how to reverse dye using Out White Bright, a popular color remover for fabrics.
Materials Needed:
- Out White Bright
- Rubber bands or string
- Gloves
- Large plastic tub or bucket
- Water
- Fabric (cotton or other natural fibers work best)
Step 1: Prepare the Fabric Wash the fabric you will be using to remove any dirt or debris. Do not use fabric softener or bleach.
Step 2: Create the Design Create a design on the fabric using rubber bands or sinew string. Tie the fabric tightly to create a resist. The areas that are tied will not be affected by the color remover.
Step 3: Apply the Solution Sprinkle Out White Bright on one side of the fabric. Use a spoon or your fingers to spread the powder evenly over the fabric. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your skin.
Step 4: Add Boiling Water Boil water in a large pot and pour it over the fabric. Make sure the fabric is fully submerged. Let the fabric soak in the solution for 10-30 minutes, depending on how much color you want to remove. Then, carefully flip the fabric over and repeat the process on the other side.
Step 5: Rinse & Dry Carefully remove the fabric from the solution and rinse it thoroughly with cold water until the water runs clear. Depending on the complexity of the design, remove the rubber bands or sinew and continue to rinse until the water runs clear. Allow the fabric to dry or throw it in the dryer now.
Step 6: Add Fiber Reactive Dyes Using Ice While the fabric is dry or damp, you can add reactive dyes using ice. Lay the fabric flat on a surface and sprinkle the dye powder onto the fabric. Use a spoon or your fingers to spread the powder evenly over the fabric. Then, cover the fabric with ice cubes. As the ice melts, the dye will be absorbed into the fabric, creating a unique design. Leave the fabric covered with ice for 12-24 hours.
Step 7: Rinse and Wash After the fabric has been dyed, rinse it thoroughly by hand with hot water until the water runs clear, then switch to cold and repeat the process. Next, wash the fabric in hot water with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. Hang the fabric to dry or tumble dry on low heat.
Tips:
- Experiment with different tying techniques to create different designs.
- Use natural fibers for best results.
- For a more subtle effect, you can leave the fabric in the color remover solution for a shorter amount of time.
- Be sure to wear gloves to protect your skin while working with the dye and color remover.
- Depending on the design, it may be best to leave the fabric tied up during the entire process.
In conclusion, reverse tie-dyeing with Out White Bright is a fun and creative way to repurpose old fabric or create new, unique pieces. Adding reactive dyes using ice can take your design to the next level. With a little experimentation and creativity, you can create stunning pieces of wearable art!