Name: Susan
Message: I have a pair of black jeans (very faded by the sun because of motorcycle riding) I would like to dye black again - is this possible without the dye running everytime I get caught in the rain and how would i go about it??? content: 98% cotton 2% spandex

Dye that does not run when you get caught in the rain is described as washfast. The most washfast dye for cotton is fiber reactive dye, such as Procion MX dye or Cibacron/Sabracron F. This dye can be applied at room temperature, as long as your room is 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21°C) or warmer, or in the washing machine. This is a good thing for the spandex in your jeans, as spandex does not like heat and is easily damaged by temperatures above 105°F. Procion MX dye is set with soda ash, which does not damage spandex.

It is usually necessary to mail-order fiber reactive dye; see my list of companies that sell dye around the world on the "Sources for Supplies" page, or look at my page of color chips for ordering Jacquard Procion MX dye through Amazon.

When dyeing black, always use more dye than when dyeing other colors, two to four times as much. The easiest way to dye clothing a solid color is to follow a recipe for dyeing in the washing machine.