Dyeing a hammock?

[jloden]

Thanks DKPerdue, I'll check it out. Also looking at some acid dyes like Jacquard that are supposed to be good with nylon.

[ScottO]

I'll second the acid dyes. I'm looking to build a skin on frame boat. The site at skin boats specifically refers to using acid dyes for nylon. As I've read, the "acid" part is really just vinegar, so nothing too toxic.

[packeagle]

RIT has a professional line that was recommended to me if i was interested in dying a fabric. Maybe look into that instead. I hear its designed to work better then the generic DIY line. I heard again that you need to wear a respirator for the more potent professional dye and thats why the DIY line is sold in stores and not the professional.

[Ramblinrev]

Vinegar is used as a mordant in the process. A mordant helps to set the dye. With the consumer dyes you should rinse the fabric in a cold vinegar bath. My wife has had very good results using the consumer RIT products. She has used it professionally for years. The other dyes are no doubt excellent quality but may be more difficult to get as well as more expensive . It might be worth the experiment on scraps. I'm not trying to push one brand over another. Simply sharing experience gleaned over 30 years of being married to my wife.

[dkperdue]

Dharma Trading has the Jacquard Acid Dyes as well as many others.
Here is their section for :

Dyes For Dyeing Silk, Wool, Nylon
Use these dyes for dyeing protein fibers like Silk, Wool, Nylon. Acid dye is the best one for tub dyeing silk a solid even color. The Fluorescent yellow dye is also an Acid dye, and it glows in ultraviolet (black) light. Dharma Fiber Reactive Procion (the most economical) can be made into an "acid" dye by simmering it with vinegar for silk and wool, but colors can shift.

http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/en...lnav=dyes.html