How to Dye Corrugated Boxes

Saturating corrugated cardboard material with excessive dye weakens the box.

You can safely dye corrugated cardboard boxes almost any color. Corrugated cardboard has an inner layer of scrunched paper material that provides strength and support to the walls of a box. These strong and light boxes are a very popular moving and storage device, but are often only available in a drab beige color. Once corrugated cardboard boxes are dyed, they take on a new look and become colorful storage additions to any room of the house.

Things You'll Need

• Tarp or drop cloth
• Utility knife (optional)
• Rubber or latex gloves
• Vinyl and fabric spray dye
• Packaging tape or spray adhesive

Instructions

1. Lay out a large tarp or drop cloth in a well-ventilated area. Choose somewhere with a windbreak to avoid strong breezes during the dying and drying processes. An empty garage or shed with open doors and windows works well when dying corrugated cardboard.

2. Pull the corrugated material apart carefully along the glue seam. Use the blade of a utility knife to separate the adhesive if it doesn't easily peel apart.

3. Press the disassembled cardboard box onto the tarp and bend the panels until it lays flat. Shake the can of dye spray vigorously for 10 seconds. Cover your hands with rubber or latex gloves.

4. Apply a light coat of spray dye with the can at a 45-degree angle and the nozzle approximately 6 to 8 inches from the corrugated cardboard surface.

5. Allow the first application of dye to soak into the corrugated cardboard according to the manufacturer's instructions on the canister. Continue adding light coats of dye and letting them dry until you reach the desired color saturation.

6. Fold the dyed corrugated cardboard box back into the original form and use packaging tape or spray adhesive to seal the separated seam.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply stencils and tape to the corrugated cardboard before dying to create dyed shapes and text on the finished box.

• Wear a respirator mask if you're unable to apply the spray dye in a well-ventilated area.

References

• It Kills Rust: FAQs
• Minifig Customization Network: Vinyl Dye