Post Content
There are numerous ways to upgrade your style and express individuality by refreshing the t-shirts in your wardrobe.
When you feel tired of wearing the same items and want to change your outfit, but you like the material and shape of your t-shirt, don’t buy another one.
Post Content
Renew your old shirt as a gift to you. It saves money, you’ll learn something new, and it’s a fun DIY project to partake in.
One thing to do for renewing your t-shirt is to acid wash it. It’s a sort of mineral wash that can give your clothing a grunge look amongst other ways to show creativity.
Key Takeaways
Treat bleach with care
Bleach can harm certain fabrics and even create holes. So if you are using it to acid wash the t-shirt, it is recommended to dilute it with water (1:1 ratio). Consider applying it in a well-ventilated area to avoid fume inhalation.
Test your solution first
Do not apply the acid solution to your entire t-shirt. Apply it to an inconspicuous area of the fabric first. This will help you see how it will affect the color and texture of the material.
Prevent damage to other clothing
Once the chemical wash is completed, you must wash your t-shirt. Wash the t-shirt separately to prevent any chemicals from spreading onto other clothes during your laundry wash.
This method of acid washing is popular for the following reasons:
- Depending on the level of fading, acid washing takes between 5-10 minutes.
- The average cost of supplies to acid wash a t-shirt is around $20.
- 70% of people who have tried acid washing said they would do it again.
- Acid washing is a way of upcycling rather than throwing away clothing.
What Do You Need To Know Before Starting
If you want to acid-wash a color shirt, the first part of the process is having bleach and water. Everything else is a matter of technique, having the right supplies and mixing the right ratio of solution. Doing this correctly will ensure better results!
Before you start, keep in mind these things:
When you acid wash, it’s recommended to protect your hands. You will be using bleach and potentially a pumice stone, which is harsh on the skin. Wear rubber gloves to protect the skin on your hands.
It’s harmful to inhale bleach. So, besides gloves, you’ll need goggles, and a well ventilated room to protect your eyes and lungs.
Acid washing cotton is the best material for successful results. Pure cotton is the most suitable material for bleaching because it takes dye much better than less percent of cotton or a mixture with polyester. Linen, viscose, and hemp are also nice for bleaching. They’re not as good as pure cotton, but they won’t be destroyed with blench. On the other hand, avoid synthetics because they won’t absorb bleach and it will destroy the shirt. Use dark colors to make the bleaching effect more visible.
Ingredients & supplies
There are several options to follow for acid washing. However, whichever you choose, you will need supplies. The good news is, these supplies should not cost you more than $15.
- The t-shirt you want to work on.
- Bleach
- Water
- A spray bottle
- A bucket
- Rubber bands
- Safety glasses
- Pair of rubber gloves
- Mask (optional)
- Old surface (or newspaper to cover surface)
The Application Process: Step By Step
Your T-shirts can become acid-washed in various ways. Let’s see which methods are usually recommended for the best results.
The most popular method
If this is your first-time acid washing, we suggest you use a spray bottle. It’s the easiest way to fade color with a little effort.
Acid washing with a spray bottle is a popular method for bleaching t-shirts. It is simple to do, cheap, and produces the desired results.
Your bleach water will need to be 50% bleach and 50% water mixed. You’ll get more unusual patterns when you spray the bleach solution rather than just soak the T-shirt into it.
Place your shirt flat. A crumpled T-shirt will hamper the bleach solution from getting to the material and making the forms you like, so make sure your shirt is flat. For that reason, this method is called the laid flat method.
Spray the bleach and water solution on the shirt. To lighten certain areas, spray the solution multiple times over that area. Don’t try too much to get a defining form (we aren’t looking for order here) – maybe a random pattern will look better than a precise one, but it’s up to you.
Leave the T-shirt to absorb the bleach. Don’t be impatient – let the mixture soak for at least 15-20 minutes . You can spray again after a few minutes.
Finally, place your acid wash shirt in the washing machine and run it through a regular cycle. This will ensure it’s clean from the bleach.
If a washing machine is not available, fill a bucket with 2-3 gallons of water and let your shirt soak in it for 10 minutes. Rinse and repeat with clean water. After drying, your T-shirt is ready to be worn.
Interesting way of designing
Rubber bands can do much more than a spray bottle. Take a wringed-out T-shirt, and put one rubber band, or more, around it.
Once again, make the acid water solution (50:50) mix and pour it into the dish.
Let the T-shirt absorb the solution entirely by soaking it. Rubber bands will make lovely patterns and stripes.
Take the T-shirt out of the dish and take off the rubber bands.
Dry it naturally for up to 30 minutes.
You can add an extra pattern by using pure bleach. Disperse it with tablespoons. For a more intensive bleached design, sprinkle multiple times.
Rinse the shirt and wash it on a regular wash cycle.
Dry it and wear it.
Have fun with pumice stones
Pumice stones are great for developing fade effects on material. This method works better on fabric that’s rougher than cotton. For example, like denim or canvas.
Put pumice stones into the dish and pour bleach over them. Leave them for 6 hours to absorb the solution.
Scrub the shirt with the pumice stones and leave it soaked in hydrogen peroxide.
Then rinse the shirt with running water, wash it one more time, and dry it.
Watch this video: 8 Bleach Shirts Techniques [12 mins 16 secs]
Why Should You Acid Wash T-Shirts?
Bleached clothes are trendy today, mostly between teenagers and young people. You can acid wash denim jackets, cotton T-shirts, or even canvas shoes.
With the correct technique, you can make your old clothing follow the new trend. It’s a great way to express your creativity and character through fashion.
Uniqueness
You can, of course, find acid-washed T-shirts in the shops. But wouldn’t it be better if you made it yourself and add your personal touch?
The final result of the tie-dye method you use is your unique way of expressing yourself. The patterns you make are your way to be modern and a one-of-a-kind style person.
Vintage look
The vintage look is popular of late, especially with vintage jeans and T-shirts. Today’s fashion promotes a rough and worn style. One which you can make at home for a fraction of the cost.
Fixing stains
Acid washing is a great way to hide stains and damage on your T-shirts. Transform them into stylishly designed pieces of clothes, and enjoy wearing them.
FAQ
How to acid wash a T-shirt?
You’ll need bleach and water. Follow the steps in this article for the desired results. After drying, it’s ready to be used.
How long does it take to acid wash a shirt?
You should let the T-shirt absorb pure bleach or water bleach solution (depending on the method) for at least 10 minutes. You can do the sprinkling again before drying it for more solid results.
What do you use to acid wash clothes?
You will need bleach, water, a spray bottle, and a bucket or an empty tub of water. Add some gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes.
Conclusion
Acid-washed T-shirts are the cheapest way of reviving your old worn clothes. There are more ways to acid wash T-shirts, some include other solutions such as alcohol, vinegar, ammonia, baking soda and even salt. Choose your best solution for transforming old and boring clothes into new and trendy pieces of clothes.
We recommend experimenting with different concentrations of bleach / water mix. Trying other ways of applying the acid wash, such as flicking, pouring or even using a condiments bottle rather than a spray. Just go crazy and see what patterns you can create and try reproducing the ones you like most.
Warning: As bleach harms your health, it’s not recommended using it frequently.