Can You Dye A Faux Sheepskin Rug

Start by submerging the faux sheepskin in water.

Can you dye a faux sheepskin rug.

Squeeze out excess dye. For this dyed sheepskin tutorial i have used a faux sheepskin rug which will hold together better than a real one. Pour hot water into a bucket up to about 4 inches from the top of the bucket. One sheepskin we used this faux version paint stir stick.

That depends on how it was tanned. If it was not tanned to be machine washable and water resistant you could ruin trying to dye or bleach it first try sending it to be drycleaned. You can easily dye small rugs in a bucket while larger rugs will require a more spacious container such as a plastic dustbin. Remove the sheepskin i recommend doing all of this in a tub while wearing sweats and dishwashing gloves.

When desired color is achieved remove from dyebath. To dye faux fur use a dye that s formulated for synthetic fibers which you can find in most craft and fabric stores. The rug can remain in dyebath from 10 minutes up to one hour. Photography by michael wiltbank.

Once you have your dye pour some into a large bucket or basin filled with hot water and a pinch of salt. Before you add your fur to the dye bath soak it in hot water for 1 hour which will help it absorb more dye later on. Pour a full bottle of synthetic fabric dye into a bucket filled with 3 gallons of hot water. The fluffy fleece remains attached to the skin creating a soft comfy surface that cushions the feet.

Sheepskin rugs are made from the hides of mature sheep. Fill your sizable basin with warm water and soak your faux sheepskin for about an hour. The hottest water you can get just from your sink is fine as long as it is hot. Gently squeeze the excess water from the sheepskin and hang to dry.

Avoid hanging in the direct sunlight to prevent fading. Also when dying a real sheepskin be careful as wetting the sheepskin with hot water can cause the skin to harden and shrink. A tanned leather sheepskin may also become weakened when wet causing it to disintegrate. If you re using a real sheepskin allow for a few additional hours of soaking time.

Dye that will work on wool and leather will work on sheepskin. Mix 2 cups of hot water and a packet of powder dye into a bowl. Mix carefully with a spoon. Rug will appear darker when wet and will dry lighter.

Dowel rod or similar to continue pushing rug into dye. Faux sheepskin that is not 100 wool will take significantly less time to dye. To achieve my blue green color i used 5 capfuls of liquid dye mixed with 1 cup of salt and let soak overnight apx 8 hours. Then wring out the excess water and set aside.