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IDye Poly test: How to dye a blue polyester jacket black!

Polyester is one of the toughest fabrics to dye because of its synthetic nature. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can turn a bright blue polyester jacket into black, this guide is for you. We tested IDye Poly, a dye specifically designed for synthetic fabrics, and documented every step—from preparation to the final result.

Why IDye Poly for Polyester?

Unlike cotton or wool, polyester doesn’t absorb regular fabric dyes. You need a disperse dye like IDye Poly, which works by boiling the fabric in a dye bath so the color penetrates the fibers. This process requires high heat and patience.

What You’ll Need

IDye Poly dye packet (black)
Color intensifier (included in the kit)
Large stainless steel or aluminum pot
Gas stove or induction stove
Gloves and ventilation
Your polyester jacket

Step 1: Preparing the Dye Bath

We started by filling a large aluminum pot with enough water to fully submerge the jacket. This was harder than expected because the jacket was filled with down feathers, making it float. To fix this, we pushed it down repeatedly until it absorbed water and sank.

Tip: Check the pockets and remove any items before submerging. Also, open a window for ventilation—IDye Poly contains chemicals that shouldn’t be inhaled.

Step 2: Adding Dye and Intensifier

According to the instructions, you should dissolve the IDye Poly packet and color intensifier in hot water before adding the fabric. We made a small mistake by putting the jacket in first, but it still worked for testing purposes.

The water turned a brownish color initially, which is normal. Stir until the dye is fully dissolved.

Step 3: Heat and Timing

Polyester requires high heat (90–100°C) for the dye to bond. We used a gas stove, but it struggled to maintain boiling temperatures. We added 8 liters of boiling water and even changed gas cartridges twice, but the temperature hovered around 70–75°C for most of the process.

We kept the jacket in the dye bath for 2.5 hours, far beyond the recommended 30–60 minutes, hoping the extended time would compensate for lower heat.

Observations During Dyeing

The jacket was difficult to stir because of its size and floating air pockets.
Gloves are essential—the dye stains skin and surfaces permanently.
The smell wasn’t strong, but ventilation is still recommended.

Step 4: Cooling and Washing

After three hours, we turned off the heat and let the jacket cool. Then we washed it at 40°C and dried it completely. We were curious whether the dye would stain the washing machine—it didn’t.

Final Results

Here’s what happened after all that effort:

Overall color: The jacket is much darker—deep navy instead of bright blue.
White logo and collar: Turned gray, not black.
Red accents: Shifted to a dark burgundy.
Zipper: No color change.
Consistency: Surprisingly even—no patchy spots.

So, did it turn black? No. But it’s significantly darker and more wearable.

Cost Breakdown

IDye Poly packet: €15
Gas cartridges: €6
Total: €21

For three hours of work, the result is acceptable if your goal is to tone down a bright color. If you expect a true black finish, you’ll need higher heat and possibly a second dyeing session.

What We Learned

Heat is critical. Aim for boiling temperatures for best results.
Choose the right pot. Large enough for free movement, but compatible with your heat source.
Expect limitations. Polyester is tough to dye; results may vary based on fabric blend and insulation.
Safety first. Ventilate the room and wear gloves when handling chemicals.

Was It Worth It?

For €21 and a few hours, yes—if you just want a darker jacket. No—if you expect jet black. Next time, we’ll try a stronger heat source and maybe repeat the process for a deeper color.