How to Dye Faux Fur

Co-authored by Emily Zahniser and Sophia Bell

Last Updated: December 4, 2024

To change the color of a faux fur item, you simply need to submerge it in a dye bath. Make sure you choose dye formulated for synthetic fibers for best results. Take care to protect yourself and your workspace so that your faux fur item is the only thing that gets dyed! This is a simple project that can help you transform a piece of faux fur from bland to stunning in a matter of hours.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Making Your Dye Bath

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Many companies manufacture different kinds of dye based on the fabric you will be coloring. For best results, choose a dye formulated for synthetic fabrics. Regular dye may not absorb into the synthetic fibers, or may result in patchy coloring. You can find synthetic dye in craft and fabric stores as well as online.^{[1]
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Dye can easily stain your skin and the surfaces in your home. To avoid this, lay plastic sheeting or several layers of newspaper over your workspace. Keep paper towels handy to clean up any drips or spills, and wear old clothes or an apron as well as rubber gloves to protect your hands.^{[2]
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3
Fill a bucket with hot water and the recommended amount of dye. Choose a bucket or basin large enough for the faux fur to fit loosely in. Read the directions on the package of dye to determine how much water and how much dye to use. Use the hottest water available from your faucet. Use a stainless steel spoon, dowel rod, or similar instrument to thoroughly combine the dye and water.^{[3]
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- Avoid using a porcelain sink or tub, as the dye may stain in. Opt for plastic or stainless steel, instead.^{[4]
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Kristine Vejar, Textile Artist and Natural Dyeing Specialist

Dyeing faux fur requires the right dye and method since synthetics absorb color differently than natural fibers. Use a dye made for synthetics that bonds to the plastic-based materials. Follow instructions carefully, especially on heat setting — too much can damage the fur. Test a small area first to ensure even color you like. With patience and attention to detail, your faux fur can have vibrant, lasting hues. The key is using products formulated for these tricky synthetics.
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Add a pinch of salt to the basin to help the fur absorb the dye. Any kind of salt will do, and you only need a small amount, such as 1 tablespoon (15 mL). Stir it into the dye bath until it has dissolved completely.^{[5]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Coloring Your Faux Fur

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In order to help the dye absorb into the fibers, you’ll need to wet the fur before dyeing it. Submerge it in a tub, sink, bucket, or basin full of the hottest water available from your faucet for 1 hour to ensure all the fibers are thoroughly soaked. Then, remove the fur and wring out the excess water.^{[6]
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Carefully place the faux fur in the basin or bucket filled with water and dye. Make sure that all parts of the fur are completely submerged in the dye bath.^{[7]
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Allow it to soak for up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Stir the dye bath and flip the fur over every 15 to 30 minutes to ensure the fabric evenly absorbs the color. When you flip the fur, check the color to see if you’ve reached the desired shade.^{[8]
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- Keep in mind the color will fade a bit when rinsed and dried, so allow it to soak until it is a shade or two darker than you want.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Rinsing and Drying Your Faux Fur

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Make sure to keep your rubber gloves on to protect your skin from becoming stained. Carefully take the fur out of the dye bath, then hold it over the bucket or basin for a few minutes to allow for dripping. Then, transfer the fur to a stainless steel sink or move it outside so you can use the hose to rinse it.^{[9]
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To remove excess dye from the fur, rinse it under cool, running water until no more dye comes off the fabric. Wring out the excess water.^{[10]
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Hang the fur up to dry, like over a shower rod using a sturdy hanger or outdoors on a clothesline. Take care to place plastic sheeting or newspaper underneath it if drying it indoors.^{[11]
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It’s important to wash your bucket or basin as soon as possible. Use mild dish soap and a sponge or rag that you don’t mind throwing away to scrub the bucket and stir stick.^{[12]
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Set the color in the clothes dryer. Once the fur has air dried, transfer it to the clothes dryer. Ensure no other clothing items are in the dryer, even though the dye shouldn’t transfer to other items if it was rinsed thoroughly. Use a medium heat setting and run the dryer through one complete cycle. The heat will set the dye and prevent it from rubbing off.^{[13]
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- Read the care tag to ensure the fabric can go in the dryer first!

Expert Q&A

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Question

Can I mix two dyes to achieve the color I want?

Emily Zahniser
Sewist and Upcycling Expert
Emily Zahniser is a Sewist based in the Pacific Northwest. She designs and sews garments from vintage and antique textiles. Passionate about sustainability, Emily gives new life to discarded and forgotten fabrics, including upcycling home textiles like bedding and table linens, or deadstock bulk fabrics. Through her fashion brand, Saint Clairs Scissors, she carefully sources, cleans, and mends vintage fabrics, crafting one-of-a-kind pieces that blend nostalgia with a modern, timeless twist. She received a BA in Music from University of Washington and attended a Graduate program at Columbia University’s Manhattan School of Music.

Emily Zahniser

Sewist and Upcycling Expert

Expert Answer

Yes, but you have to proceed carefully. Faux fur is often made from synthetic materials like polyester or acrylic, so it’s crucial to use dyes specifically designed for synthetics. Stick to dyes from the same brand or product line when mixing, as different brands often have unique formulations that might not blend well. This ensures consistency in how the dyes react and adhere to the fibers. Before diving in, test your color mix on a small, hidden section of the fur to make sure the result matches your vision and doesn’t damage the material.

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Question

What can I do if I don't have a dryer?

Hannah Janis

Community Answer

You can set the color with an iron. I would recommend exercising caution while doing this, however, as too much heat can damage the fibers or even cause them to melt.

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Question

Can I use Epsom salt instead of cooking salt?

Community Answer

It would work, I wouldn't recommend anything scented though, as it may cause problems. Also, quick warning to be careful while drying, I'd say put the dryer on low or delicate heat, or even set it with a hair dryer, as a lot of dryers will overheat and make the fur look matted.

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