Have a fox raincoat and it is faded, is there a way to recolour it? The dyes I have seen requires putting the "fabric" into a washing machine, not an option for the top

 

Welcome S.bardell to the forms. That's a good question, but I did see a web site that talked about that very thing. aspx Home Page canvas top, their method is to spray the color on. That might be easier and less messy than the bath method.

 

Will check this out see if it's available in Australia (athey don't ship out of USA but maybe an agent here? Thanks for the advise

 

There is a possibililty that you could make a bath system on a level surface using a frame 5 to 6ins high (us measurement)That would be large enough to lay the complete raincoat in it with a plastic liner and bathe the complete raincoat with a mixture of dye. Maybe do it outside where there is a sand box or something similar. It could be Messy. Soak for a time then let it dry. Maybe? I think I like the spray idea myself, less messy. And what do you do with the old dye? maybe put it in a bucket and reuse it in later years? Or Mix a dye cocktail and brush or spray bottle and apply it on the top side only where it's faded. Many possibilities. Spray on fabric spray can dyes?

 

It may also be a good idea to talk to a local dry cleaner.

 

They have been selling these tops for many years. Ecklers still sell them, And the biggest complaint was fading (#2 water leaks) soon after people bought them. A dry cleaner would know about coloring and dyes.

 

I think the bath idea would require to much dye, at least 6 inches deep (the fox top would have to be clear of the bottom or it would end up being patchy) by 4 ft by 2 ft ?? So about 3 gallons of dye? Also the screw fittings, metal hooks , Velcro straps would need to be removed?

 

Will visit the local drycleaners (here in Australia most drycleaners are just agents the clothes are sent of to a main facility , not sure if I would want the top shipped out)

 

Maybe try a fabric shop that sells cloth sewing materials, Or maybe an automotive restoration business. Do you have a paint store close? Or anything like Amazon of that nature? Even the dyes that you use in a washing machine you should be able to put on with a sponge or brush.