Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello!

I have recently gained a strong interest in tie dying, but I need some help in the experimental part. I would like to know if it is possible to tie dye synthetic fabrics, such as polyester. What would be the best way to tie dye a polyester fabric? I propose to you this question because a couple of my friends and I have this idea to tie dye white polyester jansport backpacks (specifically the jansport superbreak backpack). If this is possible and will most likely be executed nicely, what is the best way to do so? Also, none of us are experts at tie dying (except for one of our mothers) so it would be best if it was a fairly easy recipe and experiment. Thank you for taking your time out to read my email.

Take Care!

Alyssa

Hi Alyssa,

There are several resources on the net that can answer your questions and more:

A general resource is at:
http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/howtotiedye.shtml
The pulldown menus on this page include:
FAQ: Questions About Dyeing Synthetic Fibers:
http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/faq_synthetic.shtml

Another general resource is: http://www.polo-shirts.co.uk/tie_dye.php

and for more see:
http://www.answers.com/tie%20dying

Note the above general resource pages were under the external links section of the answers.com page.