Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

raccoon

(31,454 posts)
Wed Oct 5, 2022, 10:09 AM Oct 2022

How do I get an ink stain to stay in my clothes?

How do I get an ink stain to stay in my clothes?

I wear jeans a lot in cool weather. My cat claws at my jeans (or capris, or bare legs) to get my attention to be fed. So this causes little white spots on my jeans where the cat clawed it. Dabbing it with dark blue ink would make it much less noticeable.

But the ink will wash out.

Any ideas?

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
How do I get an ink stain to stay in my clothes? (Original Post) raccoon Oct 2022 OP
The ink won't wash out blm Oct 2022 #1
Markers are more permanent nt 4dog Oct 2022 #2
use a blue felt tip permanent marker,,,, KarenS Oct 2022 #3
Colorfast died material to retain color..... magicarpet Oct 2022 #4
Sharpies Won't Wash Out Me. Oct 2022 #5
My sharpie color match on a nice shirt keeps washing out. Next I'll try the salt trick.. mitch96 Oct 2022 #9
Strong bleach. multigraincracker Oct 2022 #6
Dyer here. Those spots are very tricky to deal with ... marble falls Oct 2022 #7
Embroidery. Fabric paint. Connect the dots maze. cbabe Oct 2022 #8
A fabric pen chowmama Mar 2023 #10

KarenS

(4,632 posts)
3. use a blue felt tip permanent marker,,,,
Wed Oct 5, 2022, 10:16 AM
Oct 2022

mark the fabric when it is freshly cleaned and I believe you can help set in a dye with salt. good luck!

magicarpet

(16,510 posts)
4. Colorfast died material to retain color.....
Wed Oct 5, 2022, 10:35 AM
Oct 2022

How to Colorfast Your Clothes.

Thoroughly clean a large mixing bowl or cleaning bucket, and then fill it with one gallon of fresh, clean water. Add one-fourth cup table salt and one cup vinegar. The vinegar and salt work together to naturally lock the color into the fabric.

Hope this helps and gets you desired results.

marble falls

(62,047 posts)
7. Dyer here. Those spots are very tricky to deal with ...
Wed Oct 5, 2022, 11:05 AM
Oct 2022

1. You don't want stain, you want dye: specifically a fiber reactive dye like Procion.
2. Before you dye, realize that dye close to color you want to achieve may very well leave spots in a lighter blue, because of the original blue (indigo).
option a: try over dyeing in the same or slightly darker blue.
b: try a significantly darker dye and fade it back to what you want.
c: recommended solution: discharge or bleach and redye. Bleach is a dangerous chemical. To prevent deterioration of the cotton, you would need to neutralize the chlorine with hydrogen peroxide. Discharge product is available from Dharma Traders or some art or fabric stores as are the dyes.

If you love the jeans and plan to wear them for year, you might want to buy an Indigo kit - cheap and relatively easy to accomplish from Dharma.

If any of this seems a way to go, I'd be glad to offer support. None of this should exceed the price of the jeans.

Most importantly - INKS ARE NOT DYES. INKS DO NOT SET LIKE DYE. INKS DO ACT LIKE DYE. IF YOU CAN GET INK TO SET, IT WILL NOT FADE LIKE THE INDIGO WILL, YOU WILL HAVE DARKER SPOTS.

Check your PM for my phone number.

chowmama

(506 posts)
10. A fabric pen
Sun Mar 19, 2023, 12:02 PM
Mar 2023

Slightly darker, if not an exact match.

In an emergency, I've used a black Sharpie for a pinpoint dot, but that's not ideal. It might work for black or dark blue denim, though.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Household Hints & Help»How do I get an ink stain...