Name: sondra

Message: I want to dye my white oversize chair a darker color. The fabric does NOT come off of the chair. How can I do it? Is there a way to spray or brush on ritz dye?

Rit dye is a brand of all-purpose dye. (Ritz is the name of a hotel, a camera store, and a brand of snack crackers.) Like all dyes, Rit dye must be washed thoroughly after applying it to fabric, to remove excess unattached dye. Otherwise, dye will rub off on anyone who sits on the chair, so this is not a good idea at all. Fabric paint may be a better choice.

Your question has been answered in my web site's FAQ section; please see "Can furniture be dyed successfully?". Also be sure to read Scarlet Zebra's more detailed information on painting upholstered furniture.

Painting or dyeing upholstered furniture is unlikely to produce results as attractive or professional-looking as reupholstering it with fabric that has been dyed or painted in advance.

[Updated June 8, 2008.]