Tie-Dye Kit Manual
Student Activities, Involvement & Leadership
(SAIL)
This manual is designed for individuals whom need to utilize
the tie-dye kit. If for any reason you have trouble, please
refer to this manual or contact a SAIL representative for
further assistance.
Last Revised
10/9/2012
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Process
1. If your club would like to use the tie-dye kit please reserve 2-3weeks in advanced by:
a. including “SAIL Tie-dye” in the Miscellaneous section of your room reservation.
b. go online to the Rhodes Office website
2. Equipment Pick Up:
 Go to the Rhodes Office (first floor Balfour) and a SAIL staff member will allow you
access to the equipment.
 Fill out the checklist on page #3 thoroughly which states all the necessary parts
3. Equipment Drop Off:
 Take the equipment to the Rhodes Office (first floor Balfour) and a SAIL staff
member will ensure all the required parts have been returned.
o If there is a missing component you or your group will be charged.
 The staff member will give you access to the storage space for you to return.
Rules
1. Treat the kit with respect and leave it better than you found it. You are responsible for the
kit from the moment it is in your care until it is returned.
 Wipe down all surfaces of the items before returning.
2. Never give it to another group/person without the consent of the Rhodes Office staff – it
may be reserved by another group after you. And/or you will be held responsible for any
damages or misuse.
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Tie-Dying
Before beginning:
 Read dye instructions carefully – different brands of dye require different preparation.
 If using indoors, always place the tarp underneath tie dye area and remove any damageable
items from the room (chairs, sofas, tables, etc).
 Dampen the item you are about to dye for easier manipulation of fabric.
1. Using rubber bands tie your shirt according to the desired effect.
2. Put on a pair of disposable gloves and begin to dip the item into your
chosen color bucket of dye. The longer it is in the dye, the
deeper/brighter the color it will become.
Note: Always dip in the lightest color first. Dipping multiple
times in multiple colors will lead to mixing of colors on the shirt
and in the bucket and this will minimize changes in colors.
3. Once you have finished dipping your item in the colors, place in a plastic bad to take home.
4. At home, wait at least 3 hours to allow the colors to set.
5. Carefully, remove the item from the bag.
6. In a sink, remove rubber bands from item while rinsing it with cold water.
7. Then place in a washing machine using warm water - do not use detergent and wash separately!
8. Allow item to air dry overnight.
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Troubleshooting
Before you panic, please read this section.
 If dye is on your skin:
 wash with soap and water
 use exfoliating soap with water
 If dye gets on carpet, you'll need to notify a building staff member quickly and/or quickly try to fix
it yourself so it won’t cause permanent damage.

If you choose to fix it yourself, you should test clean in a hidden area to make sure you
will not cause further damage before you follow these steps:
1. Soak up as much of the dye as possible with clean cloths.
2. Mix ¼ tsp liquid dish soap with 1 cup lukewarm water. Do not use soap with bleach.
3. Dab the solution onto the dye stain. Work from the edge of the stain toward the
center until the dye no longer transfers to the cloth.
4. Mix 1 tbsp. ammonia with 1 cup water. Ammonia can change the color of your
carpet so test it in a small, inconspicuous area first.
5. Dab the ammonia solution onto the dye stains until the dye no longer transfers to
the cloth.
6. Press a clean cloth into the area to soak up all the ammonia and liquid dish soap.
Mist the area with clear water to rinse away residue.
Checklist
Please check this sheet upon setting up. Make note of any damaged or missing components.
□ 1 blue tarp
□ 5 black buckets
□ 1 blue bin with:
 Bottles of dye: green red, yellow, orange, blue
 Box of rubber bands
 Box of disposable gloves
Notes:
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