Mousie

just saw a thread about buttons and hated to change the subject, so I'm asking:
is there a way to bleach white buttons back to white?
I have tins of them my mom gave to me. She used to put buttons on shirts in a factory, lol.
Would absolutely love to die some of them if that were possible, but think I may be asking for a miracle or something.
They are plastic. thanks.

craftybear

good ? will follow this thread and surf to help with an answer for us

lovingheart

Yeah, the answer will be interesting.

ptquilts

there are some old buttons that break down and actually damage other buttons that are stored with them. Not much you can do.

oatw13

I am going to say no. But, you could spray paint them and finish with a clear coat? Not sure how well that would work.

I am curious to see if anyone knows a way.

Scissor Queen

I think I'd try soaking them in Biz or Oxyclean.

Mattee

I'm not positive, but I would think you could only change the surface, meaning paint them in some way. I can't think of a safe reaction that would change the color of the surface. If they're made of plastic, you're not changing the color of the whole button without melting it down, which is not safe! (Before anyone gets any ideas). I think the safest thing to do is paint them in some way, as oatw13 suggested.

amma

I would think that plastic buttons could be spray painted with the same paint that is used on the plastic/resin out door furniture. I don't know as other paints would stick as well.

These buttons are non porous, so I don't think dyes would work.

Have you tried a light solution of bleach water, letting the soak? I will say that bleach will yellow some things...

emmamarie

I would also try cascade dishwasher soap.

Lori S

Use the paint sticks , heck you can use them to change the color of a zipper so why not.