Dyeing Sponges Black

SmileyBee,
I added the vinegar to the hot water & dye before I put the sponges in. I think I did that based on the ritdye website. I used the liquid as well.

Rebons wrote:SmileyBee,
I added the vinegar to the hot water & dye before I put the sponges in. I think I did that based on the ritdye website. I used the liquid as well.

THank you so much. Im going to the website now for the measurements of the vinegar. fingers crossed they come out right

Here's a link to the Rit Dye tips:
http://www.ritdye.com/dyeing-techniques/tips-success

BWAHAHAHA! I deeeeeeed it! Yay! I only got half done in my first batch (about 50). I'm so tempted to stay up and dye the rest of them, but I know I'll be draggin' A$$ at work tomorrow if I do. I'm so excited to try them out after they dry . Thank you Denise! Between these new sexy sponges and my paint trays that will arrive Thursday...I'm gonna get my spark back!

Mine are boiling right now. FINGERS CROSSED that I do them right because I did ALL my sponges..lol

Argggh. Crossing my fingers for you. Bubble, bubble....

I am going to try this tomorrow. I had to pick up my dye from Michael's tried Walmart and they only had the Tulip brand. I can't wait to see how they turn out.

Walmart keeps their stock near the bleach and detergents. I noticed that Joann's had Rit on the bottom row near their other fabric dyes.

I am not sure if it is because the one by my house is smaller, but i did check and it was so hard to get help. Customer service is just not the same anymore. I did remember someone saying about Michael's. Thank goodness. Thank you so much Denise for the tip as well as those who posted info also. I am excited

They came out GREAT. I already used them at a gig and AHHHHHHH so wonderful. Since I have 3 type of sponges and did 2 batches I got different color black. But they're still black and look awesome.

How often should I re dye? Any one know?
Thanks so much denise for this topic. My kit looks so much better.

Just getting done with my 2nd set now.....only damage is a couple of the doppers(new but i think the glue is coming off) but very beautiful....and they will get some use today. Today is my first gig for me Nervous

Good luck Mamilala. I was nervous my first time too, but the second you start painting, it's so distracting you'll calm down and get in the zone. Good luck!

I think Gina Newsom does them about every 6 months. I think it depends on how much work you get, how you wash them, etc.

Best to ya, on your first gig, mamilala! Let us know how it goes.

I use black sponges too! I buy the biggest size they carry at Sally's Beauty supply and cut them down! They run a sale buy one get one free... They do not get any cheaper....

Landen Road, are the Sally sponges the really soft kind or the more holey 'bristly' ones? (not really bristly...but stiffer)

OK! OK! Enough fence sitting! I have been following this on two different forums and have decided to try...drum roll......GREEN! Sorry to all those SATAN SPONGE lovers, but as my name implies everything in my kit is FROGGY GREEN . Still cutting up a load of new sponges ready for the big dye day on the Australia Day Holidays coming this weekend. Will post a few picture of the alternative colour scheme. If it fails I can always dye again to black.

The beauty of the black is that it masks the stains of the greens and reds that stay on most sponges. I would think that your green dyed sponges would not do the trick for the red/violet/purples that are the culprits of such staining.

I love my black sponges...my gig went well. I actually painted more adults than children and they loved it. I think though from now on I will take a table. I only had a tray and a kid table to hold all my paints. I also had painted Sunday for my nephews party and i think I surprised some people, so it was nice and the kids were all happy with their paints. My husband actually let me paint him....Mike Tyson tattoo. I did alot of Hello Kitties and tigers...It was a very productive weekend : )

Good for you!

@valerie a - they are the stiffer ones... I like how they hold the paint... and they are big enought to cut in shapes and many sizes!

Fun Frog - You could go with black sponges and then display them in a big green container!

Question... After your sponges are dyed and you use them, can you just wash them normally with antibacterial soap? I wash my sponges by hand with antibacterial soap and let them air dry. Will the dye stay put?

The dye does bleed out a little bit each time you wash them... But only a little. I imagine eventually they may need to be re-dyed.

I wash mine with Purity. It's not anti-bacterial soap, though.