Satin can be a difficult fabric to dye. The glossy surface of this fabric doesn't absorb dyes easily, making it easy for the dyes to wash out. In addition, because satin can be made with a variety of fibers (such as polyester, silk or nylon), the method of dying the satin dress will differ. Some fibers are easier to dye than others. Polyester satin is typically harder to dye.
How to Dye a Satin Dress Black
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Step 1
Find out what type of fiber your satin dress is made of. You can find this information by looking at the product label that is sewn on either the back of the dress or somewhere along the side of your dress. Satin dresses can be made with polyester satin, silk satin, acetate satin or nylon satin. Sometimes satin dresses are made with two types of fibers. If this is the case, you should use the dying method of the predominant fiber.
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Step 2
Boil a satin dress that is made with polyester satin or acetate satin with black disperse dye for at least 30 minutes. (Disperse dye is a special dye that works on synthetic fibers. It is available online at select companies. In the U.S., Aljo Manufacturing (www.aljodye.com) and Pro Chemical and Dye (prochemicalanddye.com) are two companies that sell disperse dye. Sometimes this dye is called "polyester dye.")
Step 3
Use a black fiber reactive dye for silk satin and rayon satin dresses. Silk is the easiest fiber to try to dye. You can do this in the washing machine using warm water. Add the black dye powder to the water in your automatic washing machine. Shut the lid and allow the dye to dissolve. Add the satin dress into the washing machine and shut the lid again. Allow it to agitate for roughly ten minutes. Very slowly, add the dye fixer to the washing machine. Finally, reset your washing machine to the start of the longest wash cycle and allow the machine to run until it shuts off. Leave the newly dyed black satin dress in the washing machine and fill the machine with warm water and run it through a normal cycle, like you would normally do laundry, but don't use any detergent.
Step 4
Dye nylon satin dresses using acid dyes. Dissolve the acid dye wand salt in a pot that is large enough to accommodate the satin dress. Add enough water to cover the satin dress. Heat the water to "simmer" for ten minutes. Add vinegar and allow it to simmer for an additional ten minutes. Allow the mixture to cool before rinsing.
Step 5
Hang the newly dyed black satin dress and allow it to air dry.