To Dye or Not?

[SpatzKat]

Good evening everyone,

I was curious to see if anyone has had any experience with dying a trench coat? A few years ago I purchased a black, 40 Poly/ 60 Cotton trench coat that has since lost a good bit of luster. The edges of the pockets are beginning to gray a bit as well as the collar. I was wondering if applying black dye to the coat would help improve its looks any? My thanks for any help that may be available.

Spatzkat

 

[Mike K.]

Given the polyester content of the coat, you are going to have trouble with the dye actually taking. It will work fine with the cotton fibers. I have dyed mixed cotton/poly clothing before and I think you'll be okay for the touch-up work you indicated. For the best results try this (wear old clothes when working):
- use a bathtub (can clean it later), fill with very hot water preferably near-boiling (you might have to add a few boiled pots from the stove)
- thoroughly soak your coat, leave no dry areas, otherwise you'll end up with a tie-dye effect
- remove coat temporarily
- add 4 packets/bottles of RIT Black dye to the hot water and mix well (use old rubber gloves or a sturdy stick), careful with the powder stuff because it tends to drift everywhere
- add your coat to the dye mix and "agitate" by stirring, hand mixing, etc. in order to evenly saturate the coat with dye
- soak for 1-2 hours, periodically mixing/stirring everything to maintain even saturation
- drain and rinse until the run-off from coat is nearly clear
- toss the coat into the dryer on high heat to help set the dye
- run through complete laundry cycle (no soap) and dry again
- done, maybe add a little spray-on Scotchguard for waterproofing

 

[SpatzKat]

Great! Thanks a bunch Mike, I really appreciate it.