Our Ozecraft dye is perfect for dying any type of laces, trims, yarns, motifs, fabrics and dried flowers, that are made from 100% natural fibres (e.g. rayon, cotton, silk, wool, mohair etc.) It is easily applied using a brush or trims can be dunked in a container of dye. When dried correctly your finished product will be colour fast but if it is to be on something that needs to be washed, treat it as a delicate i.e. cool hand wash. Your only problem is what colours to use and how mush to dilute them down (using ordinary tap water). There are 38 colours in the ozecraft dye range. Before you start give the bottle a good shake and have your lace right side up.
DILUTING THE DYE
The dye can be applied “neat” however by diluting in water, a lovely array of pastel shades can be created. Start at about 3 or 4 parts water to 1 part dye and try on a sample trim. You can then adjust your solution if necessary by adding more water or dye.
DRY LACE OR WET LACE
If you wish to highlight a particular pattern in a lace so that the dye stays where you want it, use dry lace. Be careful when brushing on not to flood your lace with dye, just use enough to soak through the fibres. When applying the dye to wet lace it will “bleed” through the lace so you can create a variety of variegated looks using a few different colours. It is easier here to apply the dye by just dabbing the brush here and there, one colour at a time, washing your brush out in between colours. When you are finished with a colour, wash your brush out in water, then go to your next colour, and so on.
DRYING PROCESS
It is better to apply heat when drying your lace. Simply place your lace on a paper towel and put in a microwave oven on high for about 10-12 seconds. (Drying time will depend on the power of the microwave and the thickness of the lace). Always underdo this process as it is easy to just reheat again for a few more seconds. Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer or a clothes dryer if you wish. Remember when the drying process is complete, your lace is “set”. There are no other setting agents involved its that easy.
If you want your trim all the one colour you can use either of the next two methods, remembering that when you heat the dye it deepens the colour.
STOVE TOP METHOD
Place your dye and water if necessary in a pot on the stove. Wet your lace and place it in the solution, making sure it is completely submerged. Bring it to a simmer for 5 to 6 minutes continually stirring and watching. Carefully remove the lace and rinse until water runs clear. Dry naturally, away from sunlight or dry in clothes dryer if applicable.
MICROWAVE METHOD
Place the dye and water in a plastic container, wet the lace and add to the dye. Put the container in a large plastic bag (shopping bag) secure the top and put a few small holes in the top of the bag. Place in the microwave and heat on high for 2 1/2 minutes. Remove from the microwave and take care when opening the bag because of the steam. Rinse until water runs clear, dry naturally. For both these methods dont throw the dye away as you can repeat the process if your lace is too light.
THE ANTIQUE LOOK
To create a wonderful “old world” look, after you have dyed and dried your lace, use a solution of the colour Persian Gold, diluted more than your original colours, i.e. if your original lace was dyed by diluting colours at 3 to 1 dilute the Persian gold at about 5 to 1, as it can “overpower” your original colours. Simply brush the solution over the entire lace piece and dry as before.
A FEW MORE TIPS
When dying silk ribbon for a variegated look, wet your pieces of ribbon and scrunch up in your hand wearing a rubber glove. Simply dab a colour on using a small brush, rinse your brush out and got to your next colour and so on. Rub the ribbon around in your hand and release, let it dry naturally or use a hair dryer.
Dying fringe in variegated shades is best done when the fringe is wet. Fold the fringe over and over on top of itself and using a thick brush dab on one colour at a time. For a two-tone look wet it and fold it over as before. Wearing rubber gloves dip the top half in a solution of dye and squeeze the excess out. Hold the fringe on the dyed end and dip the other end in your other solution and again squeeze the excess out. Dry on a paper towel in the microwave and brush your fringe if needed to remove tangles.
MIXING COLOURS
Don't be afraid to experiment with mixing colours. A couple of drops here and there can create many beautiful shades of course you can just use the 3 primary colours yellow(saffron), red (scarlet) and blue (kerman blue) to create your own colours if you wish. Adding black and Persian gold is also advisable. Our staff can help you further in this regard.
