Help in dyeing parts

[lam90]

I don't know if this idea is crazy or not but is there a way to dye plastic parts?

Now for the reason of the question. I have a model that I am rebuilding and have stripped the chrome from the wire wheels on this kit and would like dye them black rather then paint them.

Best regards,

Larry

[MPWR]

Why do not want to paint them?

[lam90]

Originally Posted by MPWR

Why do not want to paint them?

Well, because I tried painting one and it really did not turn out that good. So before I try again, I was just wondering if there may be another technique to use.

Best regards,

Larry

[MPWR]

I've never heard of dying styrene as a technique used in model building. Not to say that it couldn't be done, but plastic is not a medium that takes dyes well (think porous materials- fabric, paper, wood, leather, etc). Modeling does often reward out-of-the-box thinking, but I'm not sure this will meet with much success for you.

I would guess that with some adjustment of your technique, paint could be made to work very well for your wheels.

[jmesawitz]

Strange, I saw one of those How-Its-Made shows this weekend. They were making colored lighting gels / photography filters. One of their methods was to dip clear plactic in a very hot colored die. The heat opened pores in the plastic and imparted color to the clear plastic sheet. This was a very translucent effect and I though it might be worth a try to tint some windows. Maybe add the faded in blue sun block across the top section of older muscle car windshields. I'm fairly certian that this method would not produce an effect strong enough to darken white plastic to pure black. If you do try it, please keep us informed & include some pics.

[Ferrari TR]

You can dye plastic.
use regular 'RIT' fabric dye. the problem is that it works much better in hot water. keep it under 180f and you should be ok.

[lam90]

Originally Posted by Ferrari TR

You can dye plastic.
use regular 'RIT' fabric dye. the problem is that it works much better in hot water. keep it under 180f and you should be ok.

Bill, thanks for the tip, I will give it a try and let you know how it works out.

By the way great information in your SCCA7 build about bending plastics which is somthing I also have to do.

Best regards,

Larry

[Didymus]

If my parts were dying, I would see a doctor.

Ddms

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

To be perfectly honest, learning how to dye plastic successfully will be harder to accomplish than learning how to successfully paint plastic, which will always look better and more realistic than colored plastic. This attempt at a workaround is fraught with complications. The thing to do is be patient and learn how to paint.

[bark]

did you paint them with a brush or airbrush?

[lam90]

Originally Posted by bark

did you paint them with a brush or airbrush?

I used an airbrush, and obviously used either to much paint or pressure because I got runs everywhere.

Best regards,

Larry

[buffalowings]

for such small parts, you don't really have too go through all that fuss with airbrushing. Just use a paint brush... the things with hair on a stick. It would be much easier
you're parts are dying odd...very odd

[rockinanko]

Originally Posted by Didymus

If my parts were dying, I would see a doctor.

Ddms

hehe...now that's a good one!

seriously, i thought this post was something to do with dye fabric-like material that can be apply to seats, carpet or dashboard detailing...

larry, you gotta try out airbrushing on different pressure & vicosity settings. different paints have different characteristics so learn them & they do wonders for you. i screwed up upteen times using the airbrush til i finally found the acceptable mix...if still having trouble then lookup those post regarding paint mixture.

there's sure to have something on paint mixes on this AF!