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Zap and Dye
Make your own unique silk scarves as gifts using your microwave and your eye for color.
Gather Your Supplies
Silk material or scarf
Microwave
Silk acid dyes such as Pebeo Soie
Latex gloves
2 large plastic tubs
Isopropyl Alcohol – 70% solution
Distilled water
A towel you don’t mind getting soiled
Paper towels
Microwave-safe bowl
Plastic wrap or zip bags
Rubber bands or string
White vinegar
Paint brushes
Distilled water
Iron and ironing board
Mild detergent
Step-by-step instructions
• Combine a pre-soaking solution of2 parts water to 1 part vinegar.
• Soak the silk material in the solution for 15 minutes, making sure it’s thoroughly soaked through.
• Mix the dye colors you’ve chosen. These concentrated dyes mix well together into colors of the spectrum.
• To keep dyes from streaking, mix in 2/3 cup of Isopropyl Alcohol and 1/3 cup of distilled water
• Remove the material from the vinegar solution and squeeze out the excess liquid, but keep the material very wet to avoid burning. Place it into the microwave-safe bowl.
• Apply the dye(s) either as a single color, with brushes or use a tie-dye technique affixing rubber bands or strings for patterns of color.
• Seal the dish in plastic wrap or place the material in a zippered plastic bag. Microwave on High for 2-3 minutes.
• A single scarf should take only 2 minutes in a powerful microwave
• Use oven mitts when removing the material – it will be hot!
• Allow the material to cool before moving to the next step
• Rinse the material in lukewarm water, then hand-wash it in mild detergent until the water runs clear.
• Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to the last rinse to set the color
• Add a little fabric softener if desired
• Blot the cloth in a towel
• Iron on medium heat, using an old cloth or towel underneath to protect your ironing board from possible dye stains.
• If you are adding additional colors or designs, process the material using the same steps, but don’t use fabric softener until the final rinse.
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