How to Dye Canvas Fabric for Photography

Select a place either outside or in your basement where a little spill won't cause a problem. Select a large enough container to accommodate the backdrop and liquid. A clean rubber garbage container that has not been used yet is a good choice.

Select the color of dye you want to add to your canvas. Follow the instructions on the bottle or package for mixing the dye. Use enough dye and water to fill the container one-third of the way.

Put on rubber gloves. Wind a strip of tape or use an elastic band to tighten the gloves around your arm, to prevent the dye from getting inside them. While most dyes are not harmful, they can be challenging to clean off your hands.

Wash the canvas background in the washing machine. Remove it when the cycle completes.

Place the wet canvas backdrop into the container. Use your hands and submerge all the fabric into the dye mixture. Scrunch the canvas into balls in your hands in the water. This will give the background a different color texture.

Remove the canvas backdrop from the water. Open it up and inspect how the process worked. If you like it, hang the backdrop on a clothesline to dry it. If you don't like the effect or the final color, adjust the color of the dye by adding a different color or more water, and repeat the process.