Description

Jacquard Dye Additive – Optical Brightener, 8 oz Jar

Give vintage or yellowed fabrics new life with Jacquard Optical Brightener. Like laundry bluing, this brightener makes dull fabrics appear whiter by turning UV light into blue light. Under a blacklight, white fabrics treated with the brightener fluoresce and glow. It’s a simple way to freshen up vintage clothing, prepare fabric for dye, or add a special effect to a costume.

You can use the brightener in a washing machine, stovetop pot, or cold tie-dye bath. The concentrated formula goes a long way. Use only 2-5% brightener relative to the fabric’s weight.

Always wear gloves and rinse fabric well after application. Residual brightener may stain skin. Results may vary by fabric and method.

Easy-to-Use Formula for Stunning Results

Brand: Gelli Arts®
20 images that you can transfer
Lisbon Tile designs

Stovetop Method: Fill a stainless steel or enamel pot with enough warm water for fabric to move freely. Add brightener and dissolve fully. Add pre-wetted fabric and bring to 180°F. For cotton/linen/rayon, add 1 cup salt; for silk/wool, add 1/3 cup of white vinegar instead of salt. Stir frequently for 30 minutes, then cool, rinse, and wash with mild detergent.

Washing Machine Method: Add brightener and fabric to washer. For cotton and linen, add 1 cup salt; for silk, add 1/3 cup vinegar. Run on longest, hottest cycle. Finish with a cold wash using mild detergent. (Turn off pre-wash/spin to avoid draining brightener.)

Tie-Dye Method: Thoroughly dissolve 1 cup Soda Ash per gallon of water. Soak fabric in the soda ash solution for at least 20 minutes. Then, wring out by hand. In 1 cup of tap water, mix 2 or more teaspoons of Optical Brightener. Apply to the fabric using a squirt bottle, paint brush or sponge. Turn the piece over and repeat on the opposite side. Cover fabric with plastic wrap and let stand for 12 to 24 hours in a warm place.

While wearing gloves, rinse the dyed fabric first with cool water, then with warmer water. When the water is nearly clear, prepare a soap soak. Use 2 to 3 gallons of very warm tap water and 1½ teaspoons of Synthrapol®. The fabric should sit in this soap bath for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse 3 more times with warm water, or run a hot wash cycle in the machine.