Expert: Bern - 9/10/2009

Question
 Dear Bern,

   I first asked this question of the Rit Dye Company: Can a
carpet be dyed? The person said' "Not with our product." This
made me think that it IS possible, with some other product. I
put in a light-colored piece of carpeting that covered the hall-
way which leads in from the backdoor. The carpet is shaped to take in part of the bathroom. When children are added to the
mix... You can tell I wasn't thinking carefully when I put this carpet in. It is held down with double-sided tape.
 
  What do you think? Thanks.
  
    Lee


Answer
I'm glad you asked that question.  I have been dying carpet for over 25 years.  To the best of my knowledge you will not be able to BUY the dye you need to do it yourself.  It's only available to carpet professionals.

There are some caveats.  Wool and nylon can be dyed.  Almost anything else cannot.  If you have a stain resistant carpet, it is more difficult to dye than one that is not.

Dying a carpet can be done and can be done MUCH cheaper than replacing it.

Do a search for carpet cleaners in your area.  If they don't list dying as a skill try calling them.  Most of the dye work these days involves spot dying to repair color problems but there are still some that can dye bigger areas.

A good company should be able to test the carpeting to see if it can be dyed and give you a price.

Good luck.

Bern