• Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye: Aquamarine and Rose Quartz
• Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative (recommended)
• Sheepskin Rug
• Container for Dyeing
• Measuring Cup/Spoon
• Liquid Dish Detergent
• Plastic Table Cover
• Rubber Gloves
• Paper Towels
• Salt
1. Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills. Gather supplies.
2. For best results, prewash sheepskin rug to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption. Leave damp.
3. Wearing rubber gloves, fill a large container or stainless steel sink with 11.4 liters (3 gallons) of very hot water. The water should ideally be 60ºC (140ºF). If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add tothe dyebath.
4. Pour well-shaken All-Purpose Liquid dye into dyebath. For the Rose Quartz rug, we used very little dye. Only 1-2 tablespoons. For the Aquamarine rug, add 1/2 cup of dye to the dyebath. Stir well.
5. To enhance the colour, add one cup of salt. Add 1 teaspoon of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
6. Stir well.
7. Test colour by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. If colour is too light, add more dye. If colour is too dark, add more water.
8. Immerse rug in dyebath. Stir slowly and continuously. The first 10 minutes are the most critical. Stirring helps to ensure an even colour with no splotches.
9. The rug can remain in dyebath from 10 minutes up to one hour. When desired colour is achieved, remove from dyebath. Rug will appear darker when wet and will dry lighter. Squeeze out excess dye.
Dyed Sheepskin rugs is the sweetest touch to add to a baby’s room. They’re soft and cuddly, just like a baby. We’ve dyed two rugs with Rit’s Aquamarine and Rose Quartz dyes. They’ll add a fun pop of colour to any room.
TIME: Under 1 Hour
DIFFICULTY: Beginner
10. We strongly recommend using Rit ColorStay Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing to enhance colour, increase colour retention and reduce bleeding. Follow package instructions.
11. Rinse in cool water until water runs clear.
12. Wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and dry.