Dyeing Sponges Black

I love the synergy that happens from the wonderful face painting community that is growing online. Fee Jackson accidentally dyed her sponges by washing them with a new black table cloth. Don't ask me why, but it had never occurred to be before then that I could dye my sponges black. I don't know if you've noticed but I've been on the hunt for black Snazaroo sponges since last February when Kerry Ann Smith mentioned them in a demo she did. I was able to get some colored ones from Gary Cole (he gave me the ones that he'd demo'd with too which was really nice) but he didn't know Kerry Ann was going to be there and didn't bring his black sets...long story short, it's really hard to find the black ones.

Black sponges are wonderful. They don't show anything. They look almost brand new every time you wash them. One positive thing too is you don't have to use soap on them to try and get the color out. I had given up anyway because nothing seemed to work and I was tired of taking a gallon of water to get the soap out after I cleaned them...I was also worried about residue stinging eyes.

Anyway...here's the photos:

I used color remover. Didn't really work, probably not worth the extra step. Just rinse them and keep them wet but you can see the variety of colors (& stains.)


Just used the stovetop method where you bring the water to steaming (not boil) and let them sit for 10-30. They took the dye quickly but I let them sit the whole 30 minutes.


Here's the final product. This represents about 5 different kinds of sponges including Martha Stewart pouncers, tack sponges, World Wide greens & some crappy ones too.


Here's some pouncing done afterward. Some people on facebook were worried about transfer...no, the sponges are dyed and set. I did use some vinegar too just in case to help set the color:

Glad you pioneered that Denise. I had considered it but didn't want to end up with a bunch of ruined sponges. Let us know if the color holds up or fades to grey!

Will do. (I'd probably just buy another packet...love the look.)

Love the black, they look awesome!

That looks fabulous!
Just wonder what brand to pick over here in the Netherlands...

Is there another brand than Dylon Lizzie? that is the only one I can buy in Belgium, they even sell it at kruitvat

I absolutely love this idea Denise. I accidentally dyed them all dark brown with the tablecloth method, but that still shows stains.

They have other lovely colors but the black is the only one that won't show. Even my Snaz blue sponge showed the stains. Judging from what Manja said, don't use dye that's in the craft section. This Rit dye is by the detergent and is the oldest dye around.

WHAT A GREAT IDEA. I am going to have to do this. a few people have questioned me about my sponges before if they were dirty. but they were just stained. This will make everything look alot more professional and clean.

BTW. When did you add the vinegar?

I'm going to have to tinker with this too because I have lots of dyes, I dye yarn and fiber. I may do the rit anyway cause I know it sticks to everything.

Yeah, I hate having stained sponges, because it looks like the paint stains skin. Great idea. Now to find time to do it.

I think the black dye makes your sponges look thinner, Denise!
They also look artistic & deep.
Love them.

xoxo

Love it!!! I hate my stained sponges, might give this a try

I think I will dye a batch, too...

I also will make sure that I play the Stones "Paint it Black" while I am doing so.

Smiley Bee, on the box it said to set with salt for cotton and vinegar for synthetics so I chose synthetics. I did it twice. I did a bath for them with some vinegar after they were dyed and then I added 1/2 cup in the wash when I washed them. They really look good. Isn't it dumb what we get excited about?

Fess...I wonder if it would work on me? I've got a deep tub.

Emo sponges.

My sponges don't stain enough for me to bother. I have dark purple ones that I try to remember to use for the colours that are harder to clean out, but I'm still using 10 year old sponges that are not stained at all.

The trick is to put your used sponges in WATER so they don't dry out, and also, probably the fact that I only use a sponge once on a face so the colour isn't pounded into them.

mamakatrien wrote:Is there another brand than Dylon Lizzie? that is the only one I can buy in Belgium, they even sell it at kruitvat

I absolutely love this idea Denise. I accidentally dyed them all dark brown with the tablecloth method, but that still shows stains.

I'll go and have a look. I thought Dylon's for use in the washingmachine... Don't like that. It stains my whole machine! Will try to find something simular Denise used.

kan ook voor handwas Lizzie: http://www.dylon.nl/products/verven/textielverf-voor-handwas/velvet-black.html

Thanks!

Denise Cold wrote:Smiley Bee, on the box it said to set with salt for cotton and vinegar for synthetics so I chose synthetics. I did it twice. I did a bath for them with some vinegar after they were dyed and then I added 1/2 cup in the wash when I washed them. They really look good. Isn't it dumb what we get excited about?

Fess...I wonder if it would work on me? I've got a deep tub.

hahah yes I seen this and got very happy and almost did the happy dance..lol.

I will post pictures as soon as i get this done.

BTW. how do you use the sponges on the bottom right hand corner?

Lol i laughed at how excited i was too

Smikey, if i am correct, those sponges are the outside edge of this

I have one kicking around somewhere

Lady Sinaz, it's okay to say Snaz petal sponge but posting a link to another store is kinda uncool. Might want to edit it out.

I found the true meaning of "Black Friday".
I dyed my sponges black.

Bwahahahahaha.

I amuse the heck out of myself!

xoxo

You have a good eye. It's the outside of the petal set. I use them for pearl white or white mostly, for finishing off one-stroke eye designs because they get in the corner of the eye. They are also good for wee rainbow butterflies.

We'll have to make this an annual tradition. Someone said they like to do them every 4 months. I'll be glad to because I like the look so much better. I also don't like the idea of mom's recognizing the sponges from Hobby Lobby or something like that.

I did use one with hand soap to clean my arm off and some purplish/gray came out so I'll probably try some salt next time I wash them in the washer. It doesn't seem to come out when I sponge so there must be something in the soap that does it.

I'm going to have to give this a try

looks like im hittin up wally world tmrw or my grandmoms closet for some black dye!! This is so brilliant!!