<p>It is hard to guess what went wrong in the dying process, but I am assuming you have a natural jute fiber burlap. You will probably have to dye the fabric again. What usually works is <a href="https://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/B001763GIO" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Rit</a> - which you can get at pretty much a y fabric store. Be careful, it is a little caustic and will stain your skin.</p>

<p>If you want to try to fix the dye, don’t use salt or vinegar - caustic soda <em>might</em> work, but you probably want to get <a href="http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/FAQ/settingdye.shtml" rel="nofollow noreferrer">retayne</a> as it is described here. Apparently also available at quilting and fabric stores, I must say that I do not know the product but the science seems sound.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-04-21T19:48:51.867Z
Thanks for your help, especially the lead to the Retayne page. Lots of good information there.
Jackie Bell
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-04-21T23:18:34.083Z
@JackieBell if it answered your question, please feel free to mark this response as correct.
Nothingismagick
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-04-20T08:19:41.967Z
2018-04-20T17:30:46.227Z
2018-04-20T17:30:46.227Z
Nothingismagick
<p>I recently acquired some burgundy burlap to use in re-upholstering some straight backed chairs. Problem is,  the color comes off if you rub hard against it (like sitting down!). Any suggestions on how I can set the dye job on this material? Returning it isn't an option.</p>

<p>Thanks,
Jackie</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-04-20T17:31:52.217Z
I updated my answer with a solution that might work for you
Nothingismagick
<fabric><dye>
How can I stop dye from rubbing off burlap?
Jackie Bell
# How can I stop dye from rubbing off burlap?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-04-19)

I recently acquired some burgundy burlap to use in re-upholstering some straight backed chairs. Problem is, the color comes off if you rub hard against it (like sitting down!). Any suggestions on how I can set the dye job on this material? Returning it isn't an option.

Thanks,
Jackie

**Tags:** fabric, dye

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: I updated my answer with a solution that might work for you  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2018-04-20. Score: 2 | Accepted answer

It is hard to guess what went wrong in the dying process, but I am assuming you have a natural jute fiber burlap. You will probably have to dye the fabric again. What usually works is [Rit](https://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/B001763GIO) - which you can get at pretty much a y fabric store. Be careful, it is a little caustic and will stain your skin.

If you want to try to fix the dye, don’t use salt or vinegar - caustic soda *might* work, but you probably want to get [retayne](http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/FAQ/settingdye.shtml) as it is described here. Apparently also available at quilting and fabric stores, I must say that I do not know the product but the science seems sound.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Thanks for your help, especially the lead to the Retayne page. Lots of good information there.  
> **username_1**: @JackieBell if it answered your question, please feel free to mark this response as correct.  

---

