How to Dye Velvet Upholstery Furniture?

Velvet is a type of woven, tufted fabric with a short, dense pile of cut threads evenly distributed.

The fabric was made of silk in the past, but nowadays, it can be made of other materials like natural cotton and synthetic fibers.

Many homeowners avoid velvet as a decor fabric in their rooms because they presume it’s challenging to take care of and can easily be ruined.

On the contrary, even though velvet looks like a luxurious fabric, it’s pretty sturdy. This is because velvet doesn’t have a raised weave or loose threads, unlike many other types of upholstery clothing.

And those who know the fact enjoy velvet as being part of their home décor because it has a way of adding sophistication and elegance to a room.

When it comes to velvet upholstery (used in chairs, sofas, couches, curtains, and even dresses), some people may be afraid of spills and stains. But don’t worry, velvet is actually very easy to take care of.

Can You Dye Velvet Furniture?

Yes! Velvet furniture can be dyed without removing the fabric.

Thanks to the dense, plush structure of its nap, if you do happen to spill something on your velvet furniture, there’s an easy way to fix it – simply dye the fabric to recolor it.

Using a combination of warm water and a water-based or fiber-reactive dye, applied carefully with a sponge or soft brush, you can rejuvenate your velvet sofa with a rich, even color.

The process is quick and efficient—most pieces can be transformed in under 24 hours—giving your furniture a fresh, luxurious look without the hassle of reupholstering.

Steps for Dyeing Velvet Upholstery

To dye velvet upholstery on a piece of old furniture is simpler than you might imagine. This is because of the fibers that make it absorb the colors and dyes very well.

The good thing is that you can dye your velvet couch and chairs within a day without removing the fabric itself from the furniture.

These are the easy steps and instructions for dying your velvet furniture…

Step 1- Cover and clean the velvet

Cover all non-fabric parts of your furniture with a plastic sheet and tape it down securely to guarantee that only the intended velvet upholstery is dyed.

Next, clean the velvet fabric with warm water and sponge nicely. This will open up the pores of fibers allowing the paint to soak better.

Do not sink the fabric too much – you must only moisten it slightly while cleaning the dirt and grime present over it.

Step 2- Prepare the dye for application

Make your dye blend by combining it with the right amount of water, which you can find in the item’s instructions.

Remember that it’s essential to check the instructions on your dye package and mix the dye as directed, as different types of dyes have different instructions.

Step 3- Apply the dye to the velvet upholstery

After you’ve mixed the dye, apply it to the fabric with a paintbrush or a dry sponge.

I think a sponge will work much better for dye application on velvet as it will help you get an even coat by allowing you to press it down in the fabric better.

Start from the top and move down consistently. Continue to work in a circular motion until the cloth is uniformly dyed.

Step 4- Allow the velvet fabric to dry completely

Let your furniture dry for at least 24 hours naturally in the air.

Do not use any dryer or heat to speed up the process, as it can permanently ruin the fibers.

Once it is dried, you may observe that the nap has been flattened due to the dye. If so, use a soft upholstery brush to revive the velvet fibers back up.

Or, you can sponge a small amount of warm water across the surface and allow it to dry on its own accord.

Can All Types of Velvet Fabric Be Dyed?

Different types of velvet fabrics have been developed over the centuries. And the way they receive light gives them more depth compared to plain-woven materials and fabrics.

While all of the velvet fabric types can be dyed or painted in the color of your choice, the success of the dyeing process will generally depend on the fiber content and the fabric you have on your furniture or the garment.

A natural material like cotton, for example, will dye very quickly. Nylon synthetic velvet or a synthetic mix may also be dyed.

But polyester is resistant to many dyes and is hydrophobic, which makes it difficult to dye.

If you still want to, you will need to try methods beyond the DIY scope, or you should find a professional to do the job for you.

What Dyes Will Work Best on Velvet Upholstery?

When recoloring luxury fabrics like velvet, choosing a specially designed upholstery fabric paint or dye that’s permanent and doesn’t rub off after drying is crucial.

Typically you should choose the color based on the overall look of your furniture.

If your couch, for example, has light-colored wooden parts, it’s good to choose a dark shade for the upholstery to make it stand out.

While if the couch has a dark color scheme, it’s recommended to use a light shade for the upholstery so that it doesn’t look too heavy.

But if you want to experiment with a new color or go for a more daring look, you should go for it.

Test the dye on a small inconspicuous spot first to see how the new color will look on the fabric and if you’re happy with it, continue to dye the rest of your upholstery.

Remember that once the dye is set, it will be very difficult to change the color, so make sure you’re happy with your decision before proceeding.

Different Types of Dyes Available for Velvet Furniture

Because velvet can be made from natural or synthetic material, there is a wide variety of commercially produced dyes and colors to select from.

Before you pick, know what fibers you’re working with if you want to utilize the proper dye because the fiber content of velvet might range from nylon to cotton with a mix of blends in between.

Knowing the percentage of synthetic or natural fibers in your velvet is crucial to obtaining the finest dye.

If your velvet has more than 35% artificial fiber, use a color appropriate for artificial fibers. But for materials with less than 35% synthetic yarns, it’s good to choose an all-purpose dye designed for natural fibers.

Keep the above information in mind as we explore some available dyes to help determine which one will work best for you…

• Natural dyes: for natural fiber textiles like cotton
• Disperse dyes: for velvet fabric with a polyester content
• Acid dyes: for synthetics like nylon and animal-based fibers like wool and silk

Besides the above, a “cold water dye” like a Procion MX dye is also suitable for coloring most velvets, cellulose fibers, cotton, wool, and viscose.

It’s available at stores like Amazon and can be purchased at a reasonable price.

Velvet Upholstery Furniture – Tips for Care and Maintenance

Once you have successfully dyed your velvet upholstery, it’s essential to take proper care of the fabric to ensure that the color remains vibrant and doesn’t fade over time.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your velvet furniture looking new…

1- Vacuum regularly:

This will help to remove any dirt or dust that could potentially damage the fabric.

If you have pets, it’s also important to vacuum regularly to prevent pet hair from accumulating and causing the fabric to the mat.

2- Rotate cushions:

If you have velvet cushions on your furniture, rotate them periodically so that they all wear evenly.

This will help extend your upholstery’s life and prevent any one area from becoming too worn.

3- Spot clean when necessary:

When spills or stains happen, cleaning them up as soon as possible is essential.

Use a mild detergent and water to spot-clean the affected area. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this could damage the fabric.

4- Avoid direct sunlight:

Sunlight can cause colors to fade over time, so it’s best to avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight.

If you must put your furniture in a sunny room, use blinds or curtains to help protect the fabric from UV rays.

Following the above strategies can help keep your velvet upholstery looking new for years to come.

The Bottom Line

Velvet is known for its soft, luxurious downy surface created by clipped yarns.

It’s built to last for many years – thanks to the flat and thick pile contributing to its longevity.

But with time, the fabric’s surface can be damaged if not cared for carefully.

By dyeing your velvet furniture, you can not only recolor and hide the stains, but it also drastically changes the entire look and feel of a room, making it more inviting.