Cordura fabric can be dyed in a variety of ways, but it’s vital to remember that there are many different varieties of Cordura fabric. Depending on the brand and desired results, different varieties might be colored differently. Before you begin, determine if the dye is for canvas, nylon, or cotton mixes.
Cordura fabric, a nylon, is popular for luggage and backpacks. Because it’s durable and water-resistant, it’s employed in military and outdoor clothing. Cordura is black, brown, dark green, white, and camouflage (which consists of different hues of green). If you’re not experienced or don’t have the necessary tools, dying Cordura can be challenging.
What is Cordura Fabric?
Cordura, often known as ballistic nylon, is a tough, water-resistant synthetic fabric. Cordura’s technical properties make it an ideal choice for outdoor apparel, luggage, and tactical gear. Cordura’s hues fade when exposed to sunshine or for long periods. To recover fading colors on a Cordura bag or other object, apply the nylon-specific dye.
Can You Color Cordura Fabric?
Yes. Cordura is synthetic, thus it can be colored using typical synthetic processes. As with any dye job, make sure your piece won’t shrink in a dryer or iron. So, before you start dying, make sure you follow all of the instructions for pre-shrinking your Cordura.
Cordura nylon does have the ability to be colored. With correct preparation and dye, you may use corduroy’s water-repellent and abrasion-resistant capabilities without sacrificing fashion.
Dye Types To Be Used With Cordura Fabric
Make sure you know what type of dye to use for your Cordura before starting any dyeing process. Knowing which dyes are best for your fabric is crucial. When working with natural textiles like cotton or wool, consider a reactive dye. If your fabric is synthetic and you don’t mind some color fading (or if you plan to bleach it often), a straight dye should work.
How Do I Dye Cordura Fabric?
The procedure of dyeing Cordura is discussed in the steps below.
Things You Will Need
Fabric dye, paper towels, rubber gloves, and a sink are all you’ll need. Because Cordura is a robust cloth, you’ll need to use more abrasive colors. You’ll also need salt and vinegar, as well as an electric mixer if you want that particular texture. Cordura is made out of woven strands, making dye penetration difficult.
Precautions of Dyeing Fabric Cordura
Always use rubber gloves when working with dyes and don’t mix your dye powders. Do not wash or soak Cordura for at least 48 hours after dying; rich colors will take much longer to properly set in water. It’s also possible that some color will transfer to adjacent materials.
1. Prepare The Cordura Fabric
Cordura is a tough fabric that needs to be dyed with care.
- First, clean your piece by wiping away any dust or grime from its surface.
- Using a vacuum cleaner is the most popular method.
- If you wish, you can clean it using a fabric-safe all-purpose cleaner.
- After you’ve cleaned your piece, give it time to dry completely before moving on.
2. Clean The Fabric
To make sure your cloth is dye-ready, clean it with soap and water before dying. If you’re dying a white or light-colored cloth, rubbing alcohol can be used as a pre-wash. Just make sure the garment is thoroughly dry before dying. This will prevent color loss from bleeding or leaving marks on other clothes.
3. Mix The Dye
Acid dyes and fiber-reactive dyes are the two types of dyes that work with Cordura. Fiber-reactive colors bind with natural fibers in a chemical reaction, whereas acid dyes actually burn into the cloth, as their names suggest. You must use a detergent when mixing acid or fiber-reactive dyes.
4. Add The Color To The Water
If you’re dying nylon or polyester mixes, use as many dyes as feasible. Your Cordura will grow more saturated as more color is added to the solution. To do this, fill a clean bucket with warm water, add your colorant, and submerge your Cordura. Allow soaking for 24 hours before removing and thoroughly washing.
5. Put The Fabric In The Water
Place your Cordura in a basin or container filled with water once you’ve decided on a color. You can also use a washing machine if you have a lot of fabric. Allow it to soak for 10 minutes before gently agitating to ensure it is completely submerged. Never wring out Cordura while dying; doing so will lose fibers and produce holes.
6. Remove The Fabric From The Water And Let Dry
Cordura is not water resistant, so keep it out of the water if you want it to last. It’s time to dry your Cordura backpacks and gear once they’ve been out of the water. Using airflow or sunlight can assist remove moisture from dyeable Cordura materials.
The Benefits of Dyeing Condura Fabric
Cordura is popular for labor clothes, military uniforms, and construction worker outfits due to its durability. Cordura can be washed with soap and water or non-chlorine bleach, but not in a washer or dryer. Cordura’s durability is increased by dyeing fabric to make it fade-resistant. After being dyed, the fabric becomes softer and more comfortable, as well as fashionable.
Drawbacks of Dyeing Cordura Fabric
There are drawbacks to using dyes. One of them is that they are short-lived. If you opt to color your Cordura with something other than a dye, such as spray paint, it will ultimately peel off. If you use a dye or other chemical solution, it will be more persistent because it chemically reacts with Cordura and penetrates its fibers.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
- What is the best dye for nylon?
Ans: There are several ways to dye nylon. The best nylon dye depends on your goals. Using an acid dye can give you a deep, rich hue. Use a basic dye for a softer hue.
- Is Rit dye permanent?
Ans: Yes, Rit dye lasts. It’s a popular, high-quality fabric dye brand.
- Does Cordura stain?
Yes, if you start with a light color and then add a darker color. No, if it’s a darker color and you’re doing a lighter one. The stain is determined by how much dye/colorant you use and how long you wait before rinsing it off. A longer time between dying and rinsing will cause additional discoloration.
Conclusion
Cordura dyeing may sound daunting at first, but it isn’t. To dye Cordura, stick to one dye and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific color and fabric type. However, dying Cordura isn’t as simple as it sounds. If you’re up for a challenge and want some gear that looks professional, try dying some Cordura.
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