I want the ink to stay ON the shirt, so how to wash?

[GailV]

My dds have been attending a dance workshop led by John Carey (took over from Michael Flatley in Lord of the Dance). At the end of class tonight he signed the back of their t-shirts.

These are the t-shirts they wear every week for class. Frankly, they need to be washed right now, what with all the sweating in class.

BUT, heaven forbid that we accidentally wash the signature out! I think he used a Sharpie to sign the shirts.

I'm good at getting ink stains OUT. Is there some sort of fixative to keep them IN?

[Brenda in FL]

I would heat set them with a hot iron before you wash and dry. The sharpie may fade over time but shouldn't wask out easily.

[Claire]

Aside from heat-setting, as suggested, you could use Retayne for the first wash. Retayne sets dyes in fabric. A quilt shop that caters to dyers would likely stock Retayne, or you can purchase it online from places such as Dharma Trading and ProChem/