How to Dye a T-Shirt?
DYING A TEE IS THE MOST COMMON USE FOR MARIPOSA DYES — AND IT’S SUPER EASY.
Create your own fashion
Before
You Start
Machine
Dyeing
Hand
Dyeing
Washed
Out Effect
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Before You Start
CHECK YOUR LABEL
Mariposa Dye is perfect for coloring your tee, whether you use our Traditional Tablet format or our new “Color Crystals.”
Just make sure your t-shirt is made of at least 95% of any of the following fabrics (or a blend of them): cotton, denim, linen, wool, silk, nylon, or rayon.
If your shirt contains more than 5% synthetic materials (like polyester), we recommend using our “Mariposa Multifiber Dyes” instead. Click [here] to see how to dye polyester.
Just make sure your t-shirt is made of at least 95% of any of the following fabrics (or a blend of them): cotton, denim, linen, wool, silk, nylon, or rayon.
If your shirt contains more than 5% synthetic materials (like polyester), we recommend using our “Mariposa Multifiber Dyes” instead. Click [here] to see how to dye polyester.
HOW MUCH COLOR DO YOU NEED?
HOW MUCH COLOR DO YOU NEED?
Don’t worry about being exact! The more dye you use, the more intense your color will be. You can even mix different Mariposa Dyes to create a custom shade that’s totally unique.
Click [HERE] to check out our color mixing guide to help you create your own custom color.
Click [HERE] to check out our color mixing guide to help you create your own custom color.
DYEING A T-SHIRT
You’ll need 1 tablet or 1 full packet of crystals if you’re dyeing white to color, or just half a tablet or packet if you’re refreshing a shirt in the same color.
Use the chart below as a reference for how much dye you’ll need. (If your garment isn't listed, just know that 1 tablet of Mariposa Dye can dye about 500g of fabric when dyeing from color to the same color.)
Use the chart below as a reference for how much dye you’ll need. (If your garment isn't listed, just know that 1 tablet of Mariposa Dye can dye about 500g of fabric when dyeing from color to the same color.)
DO YOU PREFER
HAND DYEING OR MACHINE DYEING?
A lot of people like hand dyeing because they can see the process, but machine dyeing is way easier — the washer does all the work!
Machine Dyeing
Before you dye:
- Check the dye quantity chart.
- Set your washing machine to a hot water cycle with a small amount of water, and pour the dye into the washer.
Now dye your pre-washed shirt:
- Soak your clean shirt with water and place it in the washer.
- Start the wash cycle and let it run until just before the rinse cycle.
- (Optional) For a deeper color, after 10 minutes, add up to 1 cup of salt.
- Before the rinse cycle begins, start a new cycle and let it run completely.
- Rinse the shirt under running water with soap.
- Wipe down your washer with a damp cloth.
Cleaning Your Washer:
To clean your washer, just run a cycle with no clothes, using detergent and a little bleach. The dye won’t damage your washer — although some plastic parts might change color slightly, it won’t affect future laundry loads.
Hand Dyeing
Before you dye:
- Check the dye quantity chart.
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- Dissolve the dye in 1/2 liter (2 cups) of boiling water.
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- Fill a large container with enough boiling water to submerge your shirt (but don’t put the shirt in yet).
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- Add the dissolved dye into the large container.
Now dye your pre-washed shirt:
- Wet your clean shirt thoroughly and place it into the container.
- Stir constantly for even dyeing.
- (Optional) For a deeper color, after 10 minutes, add up to 1 cup of salt.
- After 45 minutes, rinse the shirt under running water with soap until the excess dye is gone.
- Hang to dry in the shade, then iron.
REDESIGN YOUR TEES AND MAKE THEM FEEL BRAND NEW!
