Name: Sarah

Message: Hi

I am trying to find out if it is possible to dye a dress that is Satin (I think a polyester) with organza overlay? Is this possible and if so how would I do it?

Is the dress washable? If not, it can't be dyed, no matter what its fabric content. The different layers may shrink differentially, resulting in a total loss of shape.

The solid color dyeing of polyester is not a job for the dye novice. You'll have to invest in a large (and therefore expensive) cooking pot, which must never be used for food again after it has been used for dye. This is true both for polyester dye and for all-purpose dyes. Aluminum pots are not suitable for dyeing; you must obtain a several-gallon pot (ten liters or more) that is either stainless steel (expensive!) or enamel (which chips easily). Then, you'll have to get 'disperse dye', as no other type of dye will work on polyester. Since you are in New Zealand, the closest source would probably be by mail-order from Batik Oetoro in Australia; the brand of disperse dyes that they sell is called Polysol. You must also use a noxious carrier chemical, to make it possible for the polyester to take up the dye at only boiling temperature, instead of a much higher temperature.

Dyeing is a very easy and rewarding hobby only if you buy washable materials that are made of cotton, linen, rayon, silk, nylon, or wool, and then use the correct type of dye for the fiber you choose. Polyester garment dyeing is much more difficult and unpleasant. However, making your own iron-on transfer designs for polyester is a fun project.

See "Dyeing Polyester with Disperse Dyes".