Name: Lynne
Message: I'd like to dye a Kelly green silk dress just a few shades darker, to more of a deep emerald green. Should I use black in small quantities, or use a green dye close to my desired shade? Thanks!

Either one could work. A problem with many but not all black dyes is that they may not make a neutral grey when used in concentrations too small to produce a dark black, but instead be a little bluish or reddish, say. I would prefer to use a high concentration of a rich dark green dye, for more predictable and richer results. A good black acid dye for silk, such as Lanaset black dye, ought to work, too, though.

A more important question is what dye to use. All-purpose dye requires the use of very hot water, preferably almost boiling (190 degrees Fahrenheit); can your dress survive this treatment? If not, you may wish to use cold water fiber reactive dyes.

Do not even try to dye your dress if it is not washable. The easiest way to dye a garment a single solid color is in the washing machine; see "How can I dye clothing or fabric in the washing machine?".


(Please help support this web site. Thank you.)