Dyeing Props

Process was relatively pain free. Learned the hard way that the liquid form is easier to work with than the powdered version (less messy).

Overall, very pleased with the outcome.

 

I used Rit. You can find it on Amazon and it's usually readily available at most craft stores for $3-4.

- clean props
- boil water
- pour water into glass baking dish (or anything that won't stain)
- mix in dye concentrate (how much depends on how light/dark you want it and how much water you're using)
- let it sit for 15+ minutes

Voila!

 

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dllAKOuhSk[/youtube]

 

Thanks. Got it on Amazon. Tons on eBay, too.

 

I'm not the first to do this. I followed the advice of others. Based on their experiences and posts, no trouble thus far. *knock on wood* My props still feel solid after. Don't feel more flexible or brittle, just the same as before.

 

I used powder and liquid. I recommend liquid - it's less messy. If you oversaturate the water with the powder to where the powder is free floating (not mixed), it can cause some uneven dye spots on the props. Liquid is a dollar more, but easier to use. But they both work.

I put a pot of water over the stove and removed it just before the point of boiling. Poured it into the glass baking pan along with the dye, stirred it for about 30 seconds, and dropped the props in.

You can watch the video for some instruction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFif1YXe6CE

 

Based on the advice of others, I chose dye because, in theory, it shouldn't affect balance. I moved my props around while they were submerged in the dye. Randomly moving the props around should promote an even absorption throughout the props.

You can read more about others' experiences here: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=32318&hilit=painting+props

The video I posted above said 3 minutes, others in the thread say 10 minutes tops. I did mine for about 15 because I wanted mine darker than they were at 3 and 10 minutes.

 

Did another pair today in "Denim Blue." Didn't think it was possible to like a blue other than "Royal Blue" (the first blue set in the OP), but Denim Blue came out nicely!

Top is Royal, bottom is Denim.

 

^^^Nice color scheme! Digging the GoPro decal.

 

Haven't read of anyone dyeing the body, but people have definitely painted it. I think dyeing would be a better idea, though.