Tag: how-to

Can you actually tie-dye with acrylic paint?

by maddymcclellan, posted in Other, Uncategorized

Yes! While it is a lesser known practice, you can and the wait time for the ‘dye’ to set is much quicker! The fabric used doesn’t even need to be 100% cotton! In addition to the squeeze bottles and fabric you will need acrylic paint and a fabric textile medium (optional but softens the paint so the shirt isn’t as stiff when it’ dry.)

Here’s how to do it :

  1. To fill your squeeze bottle you will need to use this ratio:
    • ½ part textile medium
    • 1 part paint
    • 3 parts water
      • But feel free to experiment and make your own ratios
  2. Shake well to mix
  3. Get the fabric slightly damp
  4. Tie the shirts
  5. Get to tie-dying!
  6. Once finished let sit for at least an hour before untying
  7. Once untied you can let it air dry
  8. When it is nearly dry you can toss it in the dryer to heat-set the colors
  9. Pull it out of the dryer and flaunt your newest item of clothing!

What is ice-dying?

by maddymcclellan, posted in Other, Uncategorized

Ice dying is another method very similar to tie dying. You still tie up your fabric and soak it in soda ash, however once you have done this, the steps change. You will then want a bucket and a wire rack to set your fabric on because you will be putting ice around and on your piece of fabric, covering it completely. Once your fabric is completely covered you will then use assorted powdered dyes or one singular dye to cover the ice. After time the ice will melt and the dye will ‘melt’ into the fabric, the excess draining into the bucket you are working over. Next, you will treat this as you would any other tie-dye piece and let it sit for at least 24 hours before washing it.

Should I tie-dye with young children?

by maddymcclellan, posted in Tie-dying with children, Uncategorized

Of course! As long as you’re prepared for the mess that comes along with the craft. I suggest tie-dying outside and using gloves in efforts to have as little of a mess as possible. However, you should also try to have a designated area where the kids can go with the dye and where they can’t. I suggest you lay out everything they need, shirts, rubber bands, dye, and plastic bags for when they’re finished so it isn’t one big frenzy throughout. It is also important to have somewhere for them to wash their hands and feet if you choose to go outside (I never wore shoes when I was kid, and always got the dye on my feet.) Maybe a garden hose or wipes or even a large bucket of water. And have old towels on hand so they don’t wipe the dye on their clothes (hopefully they have older clothes on!) You could even wear smocks.

How do I get the stains off of my skin?

by maddymcclellan, posted in About the dye, Uncategorized
Tie-dyed hands

The first suggestion to get stains off of your skin is to wear some kind of plastic glove. But, if you didn’t think to do that, you aren’t alone as many people think to use gloves when it is too late. To get the dye off of your skin you can try any one or multiple of these solutions:


  • Baking Soda
    • Wash hands thoroughly.
    • Grab a spoonful of baking soda and splash of waster to create a paste in your palm.
    • Apply the paste to your stained skin before scrubbing. The baking soda should pull the dye from your skin as well as help to scrub it away by exfoliating.

  • Nail polish remover
    • Wash and scrub your hands thoroughly to remove any dye that hasn’t set in.
    • Just like you were to remove nail polish from your nails, apply the remover to a cotton ball.
    • Wipe the dye away from your skin.
    • Wash the nail polish remover from your skin.
    • If at any time your skin gets irritated, immediately stop and try an alternative.

  • Using baby lotion or any oil-based moisturizer
    • Wet a cotton ball or wash cloth with the oil and apply on the stained area. Rub it in for several minutes.
    • Wash off and check to see if the dye has gone. If it is still there, reapply the lotion again and rub it in. If you are repeating the step you may want to allow it to sit longer before washing it off.
    • If the stain is still there, apply the oil and leave it overnight. You may want to lay on an old towel or use old sheets in case the dye comes off while you sleep.
    • Rinse off with warm water in the morning.

  • Vinegar
    • Dip a cotton ball in vinegar and apply on the dyed area. Gently rub in circles to remove the stain.
    • Rinse and if it is still there, repeat the above step.
    • If you notice the skin is becoming irritated, discontinue and try with something milder.

  • Hairspray
    • This method is similar to using vinegar, you will spray it on a cotton ball and rub in small circles to remove the dye.
    • Again, if you notice your skin becoming irritated, stop and try something different.

  • Exfoliating
    • This method does not work as well as the above but it will help stains fade.
    • Wash hands to remove any dye that has set in.
    • Massage a pumice stone, exfoliating facial cleanser, or body scrub you might have into your skin for several minutes.
    • Wash any leftover exfoliating scrub away from your hands.

  • You could also try stain wipes.