How to Dye a Disc With Rit Dye

Dye white CDs for a fun, new look.

Rit Dye is mostly used for dyeing different fabrics and clothing, but it can also be used for crafts. If you're looking to spruce up your home with a few decorating tips, consider using discs. Dye CDs and hang them on walls for a retro-looking focal point. Or, dye wooden discs and use them as place mats or place them under potted plants and flowers. Finish your project in just a few hours with just a bucket and some Rit dye.

Things You'll Need

• Medium-sized bucket
• 3 gallons hot water
• 1 bottle (8 oz.) Rit dye
• White CDs
• Large stainless steel spoon
• Sponge
• Plastic tarp or garbage bag
• Fine sandpaper (#220)
• Tack cloth
• 1/2 cup liquid dye
• Small bowl
• 2 cups hot water
• 2 paint brushes
• Polyurethane

Instructions

CDs

1. Fill a medium-sized bucket with 3 gallons of very hot water.

2. Pour one bottle of Rit dye into the bucket.

3. Drop white CDs into the dye water. You can dye regular silver CDs, but they will not achieve full color.

4. "Stir" the CDs in the dye water with a large, stainless steel spoon to ensure even dyeing.

5. Allow the CDs 1 hour to dye completely.

6. Run a sponge under warm water until it is damp. Wipe off the excess dye from the CDs. Allow them to air dry, then hang them as decoration.

Wood/Wicker Discs

1. Place a plastic tarp or garbage bag over your work surface. Place wood or wicker discs on top of the plastic.

2. Sand the wood discs using a fine sandpaper (#220) until the wood is smooth. Wipe the wood discs off with a tack cloth to remove any dust from the discs.

3. Pour 1/2 cup Rit Dye into a small bowl. Add 2 cups of very hot water to the dye. Add more dye for deeper, darker colors, if necessary. To dye the wood properly, the dye water must remain hot. If the water starts to cool, place it in the microwave on "High" for 1-2 minutes.

4. Dip a paint brush into the dye. Brush the dye onto the wood or wicker discs. Completely coat the discs until the desired look has been reached. Allow the discs to dry completely. Add a second coat if necessary.

5. Brush on one or two coats of polyurethane over the dried and dyed discs to seal the color.

References

• Rit Dye: Sink or Bucket
• Rit Dye: Dyeing Wood & Wicker

Resources

• Rit Dye: ColorRit Formula Guide