Before You Begin
The first step is to gather all of the buttons you will need for your project. It is important to dye all of the buttons at the same time and with the same batch of dye to keep the color consistent. Add in an extra button or two just in case one is lost. Plus, it’s also good to have a couple of extra buttons to use for testing to make sure you get the color you desire. The buttons can be plastic, leather or bone. Always take the button’s original color into consideration; it is much easier to dye a lighter colored button darker than to lighten a dark button. If the buttonholes are already in place on the garment, be sure to test that the new buttons will pass easily through the opening. While buttonholes can be made smaller by sewing together a small portion of the edges, it is much more difficult to make a buttonhole larger. If the button has a printed design or layers of color, it is nearly impossible to conceal the pattern. Test dye a sample button to see if you like the look before doing the entire batch. With your buttons ready, be sure that you set aside enough time to complete the project from start to finish in one sitting to ensure the best results. Generally, the process will take at least one hour, though it can require more time, depending on your buttons, dyes, and the effect you’re going for. This is not a last-minute project!
What You Need
Supplies
ButtonsDyes: commercial dye or natural dyePaper towelsDishwashing liquid and warm waterArtist sealant protective spray
Tools
Latex glovesGlass or plastic mixing containerMuffin tin or individual small cupsTweezersDishwashing liquid and warm water
How to Dye Buttons
Tips for the Best Results When Dyeing Buttons
If you use homemade natural dyes, you may need to leave the buttons in the solution much longer because the colors are often not as intense as commercial dyes.You can also use liquid food coloring. There are fewer options in colors but for basic colors or buttons used for crafts, it will work fine.Custom colors can be mixed using liquid dye. Test the colors on extra white buttons or pieces of fabric before dyeing the final buttons.Make sure that you have adequate ventilation when spraying the sealant on the buttons.
Use tweezers to turn each button several times to ensure that they dye evenly on each side. Leave the buttons in the dye solution until they reach your desired color. In a well-ventilated area, spray the buttons with a sealant (artist varnish), following the directions on the sealant container. When the buttons are dry, turn them over and spray the other side.
