Dyeing and Breaking Down

Dyeing and breaking down are used in productions, whether on the stage or tv and in film.  Clothes can be distressed, painted and dyed to achieve or replicate a look which the design team would have illustrated.

Dyeing is the permanent changing of the fabric's colour using various paints and permanent dyes.  For example, dirty water-looking diluted paint can be used to make the appearance of sweaty armpits, a duller-looking shirt rather than bright white.  Greasy-looking collars and cuffs can appear this way using a product such as Vaseline.  Whereas breaking down a garment usually entails distressing the fabric.