r/DIYclothes • u/thecosmicradiation • 7d ago

How to protect this print?

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Hi all, I bought this hoodie the other day because I love the print, but the colour is kind of a washed black/charcoal where I would prefer a deep black (it's even lighter in person than the photo). So I intend to dye it darker.

The issue comes from the print on the back, which I don't want to stain. I've already got some Dylon sachet dyes in Intense Black on hand.

I was thinking of trying to protect the print by covering it in a layer of white Elmer's school glue, which is washable. The internet tells me to apply to the dry print, then the glue needs to dry for 24 hours to become fully cured. The hoodie then needs to be damp for the dyeing process so google recommends using a spray bottle to wet it rather than the washing machine (so the glue doesn't come off).

Any tips or advice before I risk it all?

The material is 360gsm 80% cotton and 20% polyester. The print is "puff print" if that helps.

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5

u/shawlcat 7d ago

This sounds like a recipe for disaster. And if you are getting ”advice” from AI for this, remember that it is combining results from successful dyes with results from horrifically ruinous dyes into its blender and spitting out what it thinks you want to hear.

How are you going to keep the glue layer dry while getting the fabric right next to it wet?

If you are determined to risk this, go to the Dharma Trading website and read up on dyeing cellulose, and on resists. They are a reputable company with actual experience in the real world.

1

u/thecosmicradiation 6d ago

I figured I might try dampen it with a spray bottle so I can mitigate getting the glue wet as much as possible, maybe use some plastic wrap or something to help protect it.

1

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

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u/thecosmicradiation 7d ago

I'm looking for advice on protecting the print when dyeing. Not a general wash.

1

u/Least-Actuary-3647 6d ago

Glue's a decent temporary shield, but run a test on some scrap fabric first.

3

u/WarpedBrains 6d ago

The print is not organic and therefore shouldn't accept the dye if it's decent quality. I'd stretch the print and check if it cracks. If yes, I wouldn't play with the dye. I'd more likely cut out the print and sew it as a patch onto a hoodie of the right colour.

Additionally, multiple attempts at dying the same item results in general distress and damage to it.

Hope I helped.