# Color Theory and a Primer on Dye vs Print **By Natalie Harris** · 2019-03-26 ## Additive Color Techniques There's a way to achieve any color combination you have in mind for your gown.  The issue is WHEN to approach the color, and as you might expect, results will be in your favor if you use some intentionality from the beginning.  While [we dye gowns](https://www.renegadebridal.com/pages/ombre-dip-dye-gown-custom-coloring-service "dip dye wedding gown trends color bridal") purchased anywhere, many of the ideas we have submitted from eager brides-to-be aren't feasible except with PRINTING their fabric - which we do for our [custom design](https://www.renegadebridal.com/pages/haute-custom-designing-dream-gowns-with-the-couture-process "custom color wedding gown designer dressmaker ") brides all the time!  That sure sounds like bad news if you already own a gown, though.  So here I am, hoping to catch you, inspired bride, while you still have options! _THE SINGLE MOST VIRAL ombre dress out there, a lovely rainbow spectrum though it is, is exactly the challenge I'm talking about.  That gal offers a service coloring dresses with paint, but that is not at all my recommended approach, for reasons that I always assumed would be readily apparent, but read more [here](https://www.renegadebridal.com/pages/ombre-dip-dye-gown-custom-coloring-service "dip dye ombre dresses")._ Let's science with pretty, shall we? Logistically speaking, an ombre dip dye with multiple colors are essentially stacked.  For the swatch on the right, we'd dip yellow up to the knee or so, then red lower down, achieving the fiery yellow-orange-red blend.  (And yes, there's more finesse to it than just that.  lol)  We could NOT, however, use dye to go from green to orange.  Follow?  For that, we print! ![wedding dress dip dyeing coloring gowns](//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0242/8067/files/print-vs-dyeing-ombre_grande.jpg?v=1553583218) Let's look at a simple, one-color ombre dye concept.  With a single color of dye, the only variable at play is saturation.  A much more complex and dynamic blue might be achieved in print, though, if multiple shades are desired.  Now, on some gowns, less is more.  On a simple, minimalist wedding dress?  Sure, go for multi-toned richness, if your heart desires. ![blue ombre dip dye ombre color theory](//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0242/8067/files/dye-vs-print-one-color_grande.jpg?v=1553583211) One last point regarding color theory and dyeing is choosing colors that will naturally blend well.  Let's say we've got an LSU alum bride-to-be, though, who is really feeling her alma mater and wants a purple and yellow blend.  With dye, frankly, I wouldn't advise it.  To counteract the "muddiness" of the blend, though, it is possible to infuse a "hidden" color (here, a magenta) to maintain the integrity of the vivid blend desired. ![ombre dye dip dye wedding gown color trend service](//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0242/8067/files/dye-muddiness_grande.jpg?v=1553583215) It's almost starting to sound like I don't love dye.  haha.  Not true!  And I _certainly_ prefer it to **paint**...but I digress!  Just educating y'all on the limitatations and rules of the medium.  One more thing I do need you to be aware of, though.  Some people, some personalities, have a tendency to see handmade items as imperfect.  If you're on of those, again, you'll love the results from printing.  Dyeing will leave subtle lines and wrinkle marks from how your fabric moves within the dye bath.  For this reason, I personally believe some of the best dye results are on gowns with overlay layers, like lace or tulle, that help to diffuse those "made with love" marks.  This is a well-executed dip on four different fabrics. ![dye swatch fabric variables example science textiles](//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0242/8067/files/blue_swatches_large_a0581753-4a83-4f06-bb3a-f5d5442e03c1_grande.jpg?v=1553584494) Does that leave you with questions?  Or are you ready to dive in to either create your [custom gown](https://www.renegadebridal.com/pages/haute-custom-designing-dream-gowns-with-the-couture-process "custom bridal gowns texas color dresses") with custom printed fabric or [dye a gown](https://www.renegadebridal.com/pages/ombre-dip-dye-gown-custom-coloring-service "dye my wedding dress")? **Tags:** bridal fashion expert, custom bridal, custom bridal design, custom bridal manufacturer, custom wedding gown, good wedding gown websites, houston bridal gowns, houston wedding dress, unique wedding dresses, wedding gown expert --- > Source: [Renegade Bridal & Dye Lab](https://www.renegadebridal.com/blogs/renegadebride/color-theory-and-a-primer-on-dye-vs-print)