How to Change the Color of a Satin Dress to Black

Quck answer

To dye a satin dress black, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the dress: Clean the dress thoroughly to remove any dirt or stains.

2. Choose the dye: Select a fabric dye specifically made for satin fabrics. Make sure it is suitable for the type of satin your dress is made of (polyester, silk, etc.).

3. Prepare the dye bath: Follow the instructions on the dye package to create a dye bath. Fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the dress and bring it to a simmer.

4. Dye the dress: Immerse the dress into the dye bath and stir gently to ensure even color distribution. Keep the dress in the dye bath for the recommended time, usually around 30 minutes.

5. Rinse and dry: Once the desired color is achieved, remove the dress from the dye bath and rinse it thoroughly with cold water until the water runs clear. Hang the dress to air dry or follow the care instructions on the dress label.

By following these steps, you can successfully dye a satin dress black.


When it comes to dyeing satin, it can be quite challenging. The shiny surface of this fabric does not easily absorb dyes, causing them to wash out easily. Moreover, the process of dyeing a satin dress will vary depending on the type of fiber used in its production, such as polyester, silk, or nylon. Some fibers are more difficult to dye than others, with polyester satin being particularly challenging.

Guide to Dyeing a Satin Dress Black

Step 1

First, determine the type of fiber your satin dress is made of. You can find this information on the product label, which is usually sewn on the back or side of the dress. Satin dresses can be made of polyester satin, silk satin, acetate satin, or nylon satin. Occasionally, satin dresses may be made of a combination of fibers. In such cases, you should follow the dyeing method for the predominant fiber.

Step 2

If your satin dress is made of polyester satin or acetate satin, you will need to boil it with black disperse dye for a minimum of 30 minutes. Disperse dye is a special dye designed for synthetic fibers and can be purchased online from select companies. In the United States, Aljo Manufacturing (www.aljodye.com) and Pro Chemical and Dye (prochemicalanddye.com) are two companies that sell disperse dye. This type of dye is sometimes referred to as “polyester dye.”

Step 3

For silk satin and rayon satin dresses, you should use a black fiber reactive dye. Silk is the easiest fiber to dye, and you can do this in your washing machine using warm water. Simply add the black dye powder to the water in the washing machine, close the lid, and allow the dye to dissolve. Then, add the satin dress to the washing machine and close the lid again. Let it agitate for approximately ten minutes. Slowly add the dye fixer to the washing machine. Finally, set your washing machine to the longest wash cycle and let it run until it automatically shuts off. Keep the newly dyed black satin dress in the washing machine, fill it with warm water, and run a normal cycle without detergent, as you would when doing regular laundry.

Step 4

If your satin dress is made of nylon, you should use acid dyes for dyeing. Dissolve the acid dye and salt in a large pot that can accommodate the satin dress. Add enough water to cover the dress. Heat the water to a simmer and let it simmer for ten minutes. Then, add vinegar and let it 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.

Leave a Comment