How to Get as Dark a Color as Possible — Rit Dye (2024)

Getting that rich, dark color is simple if you follow these key steps.

1. Choose the Right Dye For Your Fabric. If the fabric you plan to dye is a natural fabric (such as cotton, linen silk, ramie or wool) or is nylon or rayon, then use our Rit Back to Black Kit.If the fabric you plan to dye contains more than 35% polyester acrylic or acetate, then useRit DyeMore for Synthetics in Graphite.
2. Use the Stovetop Method. Our dyes love hot water. It relaxes the fabric so that it can absorb the dye. This dyeing methodenables you to maintain a very hot dyebath for the duration of your dyeing so you can get the darkest color possible.
3. Double the Standard Dye Quantity.The more dye, the deeper the color. If you are dyeing a pair of pants, pour the whole bottle of dye into the dyebath. If you are dyeing more than one pair, use multiple bottles.
4. Prewash Item. Wash fabric in warm, soapy water without any fabric softeners. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
5. Add Salt or Vinegar (If DyeingCotton, Linen, Silk, Wool, Nylon Rayon and Ramie).To enhance the color: (1) add 1 cup 240 mL of salt when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie or linen; (2) add 1 cup 240 mL of vinegar when dyeing fabrics containing nylon, silk or wool.
6. DoubleTime in Dyebath.Allow item to remain in the dyebath for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring constantly. The item will appear darker when wet and will dry lighter.
7. Use ColorStay Dye Fixative After Dyeing (Fabrics That ContainCotton, Linen, Silk, Wool and RamieOnly).This is the ultimate secret weapon. Soaking your dyed item with ColorStay Dye Fixative after dyeing (but before washing) will enhance your item’s color and reduce bleeding. If you are using Rit Back to Black Dye Kit, this product already comes with it. If you are using Rit DyeMore for Synthetics in Graphite, then please purchase ColorStay Dye Fixative separately. Follow instructions on how to use ColorStay Dye Fixative here.
8. If Dyeing Non-White Garments With Black or Graphite,Counteract the Base Color With an Additional Color. Our dyes are created based on the premise that they will dye white or light colored fabric the color of the dye. So when our Jet Black dye (part of our Back to Black Kit) or Graphite dye is applied to a colored fabric, the original color of the fabric may still show through. To address this, we recommend adding an additional color (per our charts below) to counteract the undertones of the existing color. As an example, if you were dyeing red fabric, we would recommend adding some green dye to your dyebath. Since mixing red and green makes black, adding a green dye to your dyebath will counteract the red on the fabric.

If Dyeing Cotton, Linen Silk, Wool, Ramie, Rayon or Nylon, use Rit Back to Black Kit.If Dyeing Fabric Containing More than 35% Polyester, Acrylic or Acetate, use Rit DyeMore for Synthetics in Graphite