How to Dye Plastics
Avid builders of remote control cars, model airplanes or other small projects that contain plastic parts, often want to customize their parts to make their creations one-of-a-kind. To do this, many hobbyists dye their plastic components to make them more colorful and aesthetically pleasing. Dye new parts to change their color, or revive old plastic parts that you were planning to throw in the garbage. Dyeing plastic is relatively simple process that almost anyone can complete.
Instructions
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Set up a work station in your kitchen next to the stove. Cover the counter with a large towel so that dye doesn't stain anything as you work and place all the tools you will need on the towel so they are easily accessible during the dyeing process.
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Fill you pot with water and bring it until it is hot, but not boiling. The water must be kept hot at all times and the pot and water used should be relative to the size of the part you want to dye. Use a pot that is just slightly larger than the object so you get the most concentrated amount of dye.
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Add the dye to the water and stir it. The more dye you add the darker the plastic will be. Adjust the amount added depending on what color you want to achieve.
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Place the plastic parts into the pot and leave them until the part has achieved the desired color. Use tongs to remove the part to check it during the dyeing process.
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Place the dyed part on a piece of paper towel and allow it to cool. Then, as soon as possible, wash the part with cool water and soap.
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References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Lifesize/Getty Images
