Want to change to color of your fabric shades, roller shades, roman shades, and vertical blinds to match your new decor settings? Here are easy DIY projects for dying and painting shades, which work beautifully on all types of fabrics, from cotton canvas to silk, linen, nylon, and modal.
Follow these quick dye painting techniques to get started on painting your own amazing pieces of fabric art on window coverings.
Dying window shades can add to their curb appeal and lifespan. There are different practical methods for dyeing window shades. The choice of a suitable method will depend on the type of shades you have and the material they’re made from.
One simple and effective way to paint shades with dye is to blend and bleed colors to create beautiful watercolor effects.
Here are a few DIY tips you might consider:
Tip 1: Choose a Fabric Dye
- This is a good option for window shades made from natural fibers, like wool or cotton.
- Follow the instructions on the fabric dye package to mix the dye.
- Add the mixture to a bucket of hot water.
- Dabble the window shades in the dye bath and stir them vigorously to ensure an even color.
- When your window shades have reached the desired color, remove them from the dye bath and rinse them thoroughly with cold water.
Tip 2: Use Spray Paint in 4 Easy Steps
Spray painting is an easy and quick way to change the color of shades made of synthetic materials, like PVC or polyester.
- Step 1: Remove the shades from the window frame.
- Step 2: Lay them out on a flat surface.
- Step 3: Spray the shades with your favorite color.
- Step 4: Let them dry and re-hang on the window.
Note: Be sure to follow the instructions on the spray paint package and use it in a well-ventilated area.
Tip 3: Dye with paint
If you want to achieve a more permanent, professional-looking finish, dye your window shades with paint. This option works best on shades made of wood or other porous materials. To begin, mix the desired color of paint with a small amount of water to thin it out, and brush the paint onto the shades. Let the paint completely dry before reattaching the shades to the window frame.
How to Paint Shades with Cold Water Dyes
Cold water dyes don’t need to be applied on fabric with heat. They help you to create a fabric that looks like watercolor painting, making it feel so personal and delicate.
Step 1: Collect Materials and Tools You’ll Need
- Dye powder
- A thickening agent (such as sodium alginate)
- Soda ash
- Urea
- Fabric (such as cotton, linen, wool, or silk)
- Paintbrushes
- Dust mask
- Rubber gloves
- Plastic spoons
- Bucket
- Tarps
- Towels (to dry the fabric after dying)
Step 2: Wash the Fabric
Before you start dying the shade, wash the fabric of shades. Make sure to cover the workspace with tarps to prevent staining.
Step 3: Prepare Your Dye Mixture
Mix dye powder with warm (not hot!) tap water.
Add urea, sodium alginate thickener, and soda ash.
Shake well to create a uniform mixture.
Step 4: Start Painting the Shades
Wear rubber gloves and put your dust mask on. Apply dye mixture on the fabric using a paintbrush.
Step 5: Create Watercolor Effect
To create a soft, watercolor style result, wet the fabric and then paint it in a loose and free-flowing style. Wait 15 to 30 minutes after you’ve finished painting and then wash the fabric.
Please Note
Regardless of which method you choose, test the dye or paint on a small area of the window shades before applying it to the entire surface. In this way, you can get the desired color and finish.
FAQs
Can fabric vertical blinds be dyed?
Yes, you can paint the fabric vertical blinds with dye. Make sure to paint the dye onto the vertical slats one at a time. If your blinds are already colored, you can apply dye to attain the color you want. An easy way is to pick a spray paint meant for the fabric, hang up the blinds outside, and apply the spray paint.
Can you paint fabric roman shades?
Yes, you can paint fabric roman shades with a fabric paint when it’s time to change your decor. Both house paint and spray paint for fabrics offer the broadest collection of colors. Fabric paints let you add stencials or other designs to your roman shades. With this DIY project, you can transform the look of your window coverings in a single afternoon.
Can I paint on fabric with dye?
Yes, you can paint on fabric with dye to create fabric that looks like a watercolor painting. This technique won’t change the natural texture of the fabric. Painting on fabric with dye works equally well on several types of fabrics, including cotton canvas, silk, and linen.
How to paint on fabric with Rit dye?
Here’re easy DIY steps to paint on fabric with Rit dye:
- Step 1: Dip a small corner of a piece of clean cloth into the hot Rit dye.
- Step 2: Gently squeeze out the excess dye.
- Step 3: Rub the fabric area where you want to apply the dye.
- Step 4: Use a cotton swab to apply the dye.
- Step 5: Use a hot steam iron to set the dye.
Note: With Rit dye, you can dye washable fabrics containing natural fibers (e.g. cotton, linen, wool, silk, ramie, and modal) and those containing synthetic fabrics (e.g. nylon, rayon, and viscose.
How do you dye fabric darker shades?
- Step 1: Choose the right dye to change the color of fabric darker shades.
- Step 2: Prewash the fabric to be dyed.
- Step 3: Add salt or vinegar to the dye when dying cotton, silk, wool, linen, and rayon fabrics.
- Step 4: Take the fabric out of the dyebath and let it dry.
Can lampshades be dyed?
Yes, you can easily dye them! Dyeing lampshades is an expensive way to add a custom touch to your home’s decor. It is one of the most surprising and fun items to transform lampshades with dye. Select the perfect color to match the lampshade to your bedding, carpet, or some other decor element in the room.
What is the difference between paint and dye?
- Dyes are a bit more permanent.
- Dyes consist of dye molecules dissolved in water or alcohol. On the other hand, paint consists of pigment and binder in an organic solvent.
- In dye, dye molecules are the coloring agents. In paint, pigments are the coloring agents.
Need More Help?
Want to know more about dyeing and painting fabric shades, roller blinds, roman shades, and vertical blinds? Contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109 for expert advice and a custom solution.