Name: Melinda
Message: I have long demin curtains I want to dye deep dark burgendy is that possible and what are your suggestions?

Are they made of 100% cotton? Are they washable?

If the answer to both questions is 'yes', then the project can be easily accomplished by dyeing in the washing machine. See, for example, the instructions at http://www.prochemical.com/directions/MX_WashingMachine.htm and http://www.prochemical.com/directions/F_WashingMachine.htm . These instructions are for fiber reactive dyes, such as Procion MX, Cibacron F, and Drimarene K type dyes. These can be most economically purchased by mail-order, or may sometimes be found in local shops under the more expensive brand names of Dylon Cold Water Dye and Dylon Washing Machine Dye.

Are you located in Papua New Guinea, as your address implies? The closest sources for mail-order fiber reactive dyes would in that case be Australian. See my "Sources for Supplies" page.

Another type of dye that can be used on cotton is direct dye. This is found in the mixture of dye called "all-purpose" dye, which includes brands such as Rit and Tintex, as well as Dylon Multipurpose Dye. Unfortunately, they do not result in intense shades unless the fabric is simmered (87 degrees C. or higher), in the dye, for half an hour or longer, which is difficult to do without huge cooking pots - and cooking pots used for dyeing should never again be used for food, as the dye is not food-safe. The fact that all-purpose dye is not very wash-fast will not matter a great deal on curtains which are washed rarely, but the issue of whether you can get the very dark shade you wish is more important. If this is the only type of dye you can obtain, use the hottest water possible in the washing machine, use two to four times as much dye as the package recommends for a minimum, and reset the washing machine many times to make the soaking/agitation stage of dyeing at least an hour long, for best results.

If your curtains are 50% polyester, you will not be able to get a dark shade.