Dyeing Chintz???

John, biggest problem I can see with trying this is that most fabric used in furniture covers will shrink like crazy if you try anything like this. The finish on some chintz will actually wash out, and it is then just a cotton fabric. Not sure about color stripping the print, that will probably also greatly weaken the fabric, since there is a lot of work put into providing permanent prints especially for furniture.

IF these are removable covers, perhaps the best suggestion would be to use them as patterns to make new covers from fabric you like. Or commission same, or find some ready to use. Would not be all that much more expensive and a whole lot easier and probably faster.

Good luck Pati, > Hi,

Hi again,

Strangely we boiled them with Dylon colour stripper, and not only did they maintain their original shape and size, the pattern has come through stronger than ever! I think the colour stripper must've removed the dirt surrounding the print. We've also had a disposable part of the covers soaking in a bleach solution all day, and that hasn't changed colour either. I must admit, using them as a pattern is looking like the best option so far.

Thanks, John

I have a two word solution--Target and Slipcovers!

joan

If these are removable slip covers, why not have new ones made or use the old ones as templates to make them yourself? If it is the attached upholstery, any method of dyeing would cause the padding under the fabric to be soaked. The soaked padding is likely to mildew before it dries out thus ruining the furniture. Why not simply re-upholster the furniture in a fabric you love? I know that's what I'd do if I received glazed Chintz furniture. As far as I know the glaze can't be removed.

Debra in VA See my quilts at

Re-cover it. You are not going to deglaze it by any means I can think of, and still have usable covers left. Good chintz is just too well done for anything non destructive to work well, not so good chintz would probably not be worth having after it was deglazed. By the way, if it is real chintz, and you inherited it as you said, then you might want to get the furniture appraised before you do anything drastic. Odds are it is not one of the valuable types, but it is often good to be sure.

NightMist