How to Dye RC Wheels

One of the most effective ways to customize your RC vehicle is to dye the wheels a bright color. Pick a color that compliments your paint scheme and you’ll have one of the “sickest” rides at the track. Dying RC wheels is easy and the process can also make nylon wheels stronger and more rigid.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric dye
• Sauce pan
• Water
• Stovetop or hotplate
• Tongs

Instructions

1. Set your stove to high heat. Poor enough water into a sauce pan to fill it up half way, or completely submerge the wheel. Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat and bring to a simmer.

2. Add liquid fabric dye into the water and stir. Use a quarter-teaspoon of dye for each cup of water. Allow the dye to cook for a couple of minutes.

3. Carefully place one RC wheel into the sauce pan. Don’t worry about trying to keep the wheel completely submerged. Use a pair of tongs to flip the wheel over once every minute or so to allow the dye to coat the entire wheel.

4. It should only take approximately five minutes to completely dye the wheel. Lighter color dyes may require a little more time to achieve satisfactory results. Once you’re satisfied with the color, remove the wheel from the pan and set on a towel to dry.

5. Dye the rest of the wheels one at a time. Keep in mind that water evaporates quickly; more water and fabric dye may be required to complete all four wheels.

Tips & Warnings

• Dye the wheels first before attaching the tires. Use liquid fabric dyes only. Do not use food coloring or dyes designed for cooking.

• Dye wheels that are white or have a natural plastic color only. You cannot re-dye wheels.

• Do not dye wheels that are molded from hard plastics such as ABS. Fabric dye will not penetrate hard plastics and the heat may warp the wheels.

• Dye wheels made from a nylon blend only (fortunately most RC wheels are nylon).

• Boiling nylon has a positive effect; it actually makes the nylon more rigid and durable. Many professional RC racers routinely boil their car’s nylon components to make their cars competition-proof.

• Fabric dye can make a mess; it permanently stains clothes and can be tough to remove from some surfaces. Be very careful not to splash or spill the dye solution.

• Once the pan has been used for dying, it should never be used for cooking again.