Traditionally denim is dyed in an indigo color to create the classic blue jean color that we all know and love. Over time, with wash and wear, the denim is broken down and the indigo color tends to fade; especially in areas that receive heavier wear like the knees, butt, and thighs. To create this broken in look, designers replicate this process of wear by “Stone Washing” the material before it is sewn into jeans. Normally this requires the use of a heavy duty industrial washing machine and some pumice stones, but you can artificially soften and fade the color of your jeans to create a stone washed look by following a few easy steps.

Process:

• In a 5-gallon bucket or other large container, create a concentrated salt water solution. Submerge your jeans and let soak for 1-2 days.



• Remove your jeans from the solution and lay them out flat on a covered surface with the front side facing up.



• While your jeans are still wet, take your sand paper and rub the denim lightly where you wish to soften /fade the indigo color. Be careful not to rub all the way through your denim. For best results use a medium grit (60 / 80 grit) sandpaper, and frequently examine your progress.



• When you are finished hand your jeans outside in the sun and let dry.



• To remove the salt, machine wash your jeans one more time and dry as normal before wearing.

Tools You Will Need For This Type Of Distressing:

But how do you get a Stained, Tinted or Painted look?
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