Reverse Tie-Dye Discharging
a Dharma featured tutorial
Maybe it should be called UN-tie-dyeing. This process creates a unique looking high contrast tie-dye that you just can't get with black dye on a white shirt. It is also a great first step to over dyeing or printing other colors for more complex results. We are using black shirts that are specifically dyed so that they will discharge. Color Remover or Discharge paste takes them to a light tan or almost white, so easy to overdye, while bleach takes them to a rust color. You can also give it a try on other solid colors or old tie-dye to give them some new interest.
Shopping list:
- Dharma Color Remover
- Soda Ash
- Black Cotton T-shirt(s)
- Measuring spoons
- Dyer's Detergent
- Dust Mask (or vapor resipirator mask) - see below
- Stainless Steel or other non-reactive pot and stirring spoon/tongs
SAFETY NOTES! Because of the chemical reaction that occurs with discharging you must use a non-reactive pot such as stainless steel, Avoid aluminum, iron or copper. Also, this is a very stinky process and must be done in a well ventilated area - on the stove make sure the overhead exhaust fan is on, and a window open nearby never hurts. If you are very sensitive, wear a vapor resipirator mask and/or do it outdoors with a camp stove. Also, wear a dust mask or respirator when measuring out the powders, as they are caustic, and protect your eyes.
Let's get started!
Pre-wash the shirts/fabric to be sure there are no finishing products, dirts or oils that will affect the discharge reaction. Tie up your shirts as you wish with rubber bands, zip-ties, sinew or string; we have pre-tied shirts for this tutorial.
Weigh the dry shirts (so you can determine how much chemicals you will need). Put your tied up and pre-wetted shirts in the pot and cover with water. For each pound of fabric, put into the pot:
- 1 Tablespoon Soda Ash
- 1/2 Teaspoon Dyer's Detergent or liquid dish washing soap (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon Color Remover
Heat to a boil. While the mixture is simmering, add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of Color Remover (per lb of fabric) every 15 minutes for an hour. (1 extra teaspoon total per lb of fabric). Stir gently and simmer for another 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it cool down. Remove shirts and rinse well under cold running water.
If you wish to overdye the shirts you can leave them tied up and proceed to your next dyeing process. Otherwise, untie your shirts and continue to rinse with running water to remove any leftover color remover.
Wash in the laundry with your regular detergent; some fabric softener in the rinse is recommended as this process can leave the fabric feeling somewhat dry/scratchy after.
Pro Tip: Normally, aways test shirts or fabric you are discharging to make sure the dye will discharge, as some dyes just do not.
For overdyeing, check out these options:
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