Is it possible to dye a sportcoat?

[Deja Q]

I just bought a used sportcoat. Great condition except it's a dark gray, rather than black.

Can this safely be done?

Dark gray is acceptable, but black is better.

(and I wish somebody would sell light gray sportcoats, sigh...)

[FlashHarry]

1. Well... as long as the fibers accept the dye, it should work.

If it's wool or cotton, it'll probably work. Too much rayon or polyester and the fibers may not take to the dye. It goes without saying, though, you should have it done professionally.

[jukes]

2. depends on the material

if there are synthetics blended in, they may not p/up the dye. OTC rit dye prob'ly won't work very well. you can find commercial dyes online that will work better, but i'm not sure how much heat they need & that might warp the fit.

is it worth taking to a professional cleaners for dyeing?

[Deja Q]

5. Is it worth it?

Only if I do it myself.

It was $12, used.

New ones are on sale for $80 at Kohls (50% off), but I'm waiting a couple of months for the end-of-season sale. :9

[otohara]

3. You Have To Use Really Hot

water - it may shrik

[trof]

4. This might work.

Get one of those super-large black permanent magic markers and just color it black.
easy-peasey

[GregW]

6. What's wrong with dark gray?

If you mix the classic:
- Charcoal sportscoat
- Navy blue blazer

with:
- Light gray slacks
- Olive slacks
- Tan Slacks
- Black slacks

Then you're a mix-n-match stylin' dude!

[Deja Q]

7. I always wear black slacks...

I like to be 'black from the waist down'. (as black pertains to death, I'm saying I have no sex life. It is NOT a star trek reference, contrary to popular belief.)

Maybe it's sufficient as it is. Maybe I'll accept it for what it is. :D

[northstar]

8. I really hope it works - it's only $18 or so (the coat plus the dye)

However, somehow it conjures up this mental picture of a guy with black dye stains on his hands up to the wrists and the coat with shrunken sleeves up to the elbows!

Bad bad me :spank:

[Deja Q]

9. LOL! And

Welcome to DU! :party: :bounce: :toast:

[northstar]

10. Thank you for the nice welcome

(and you're not mad at me either)!

Seems like some pretty great folks on this board - I'm glad I found this place :-)

[cally]

11. I've had very poor luck dying stuff

It never has turned out well except for the witch dress that I wanted black and it turned out this variated dark grey. I liked that one. I personally would accept the dark grey before I tried to die it.