What's the best way to dye fabric that's off-white to make it pure white?

Question

I have an off-white painters' drop cloth that I want to use to make an outdoor movie screen. What's the best way to make it pure white? Dye?

Answer 1

If bleach doesn't do the job, you might try Rit's Color Remover (buy it in the grocery store or a store like WalMart or Target).

If removing the natural color doesn't work, I would also recommend painting - there are flexible fabric paints available in fabric stores and stores with fabric departments.

But, all that said, I have to ask the question -- does it really need to be pure white? Most that I've seen are a natural white or just slightly off-white.

Answer 2

Off White Fabric

Answer 3

You'd have to bleach it, but this can be very tricky. Bleach my cause the fabric to break down especially if it is a delicate fabric causing uneven wear. Never pour straight bleach on the fabric. Also, you may get uneven bleaching.

In the washer, put your fabric in (don't add any bleach yet) and set for the rinse and spin cycle using just plain water. Remove your fabric (this is a necessary step as you want your fabric wet before bleaching to help achieve an even color.) Then set to the wash cycle and add desired amount a bleach (about 2 cups). Allow washer to fill completely and agitate for a couple minutes to thoroughly mix bleach. Next add your fabric back to the washer. Allow to agitate again for 10 minutes or so, then stop the washer. Allow to soak for about an hour. Restart the washer and let it run through the complete cycle. That should do it, but like I said, it may be uneven, so you may have to repeat. I wouldn't do this more than twice though or your going to end up with rags.

*Also, you can along with the beach add a blueing agent. This helps to prevent yellowing caused by the bleach. You can find this usually at the grocery store with the detergents, or at a drug store like longs. Follow bottle directions.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What's the best way to dye fabric that's off-white to make it pure white?
I have an off-white painters' drop cloth that I want to use to make an outdoor movie screen. What's the best way to make it pure white? Dye?

Answer 5

You can't dye something pure white. Pure white is the absence of all color. if the cloth is already off white the best you can do is to try and bleach it out.

Answer 6

Food coloring is non toxic and will not harm your pigeon and when it is dry it is colorfast, try not to get it in its eyes. It really needs to have diced fruit and veggies as well as pigeon food and don't forget the gravel for strong bones. You can get a variety of vitamins at the pet shop, but none that will change the feather colors. Best of luck and happy coloring!

Answer 7

Paint.
If the screen will be permanent you can paint it white, with the same kind of paint you would use for a wall outside. If you take it inside after use, but on frame so it stays flat, you can use the paint you would use on an inside wall (here we call in Latex.)
If you want to roll your screen you will need to test it. Some paints can be rolled, most will peel off.

But for most screens you do not need a pure white, the screens used for slide shows used to be silver, but we have used walls in whatever colour they happened to be, by preference light colours.

Answer 8

bleach!