How to Dye Plastic With Rit Dye
Rit Dye is traditionally used as a fabric dye, but it can also dye plastic. Dyeing plastic allows you to alter the colors of the buttons on your garments, or to change the color of other plastic pieces you use in crafting. When dyeing plastic with Rit Dye, use only supplies that you do not mind having in a different color. Whatever pots and spoons you use in the dye may change color, as well as the plastic pieces on which you are focusing.
Things You'll Need
- Rubber gloves
- Drop cloth
- Pot
- Water
- Candy thermometer
- Rit dye, liquid or powder
- Spoon
- Bucket
- Liquid dish soap
- Soft cloth
- Paper towels
Instructions
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1
Put on rubber gloves so the dye doesn't stain your skin. Lay a plastic drop cloth over your work area.
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2
Fill a pot with enough cups of water to cover the plastic piece you want to dye. Add 2 teaspoons of powdered dye for every cup of water. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dye for every cup of water. Stir until the dye is incorporated into the water.
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3
Turn the stove onto medium heat. Insert a candy thermometer into the water. Keep the heat on until the thermometer reads 140 degrees F. Pour the dye into a plastic bucket.
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4
Submerge your plastic pieces in the dye in the bucket. Leave the piece in the dye for up to 5 minutes. The longer you leave it, the darker the color will be.
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5
Rinse the plastic in the sink with lukewarm water. Fill the sink with soapy water and wash the piece with a soft cloth. Rinse it clean, then dry the piece with paper towels.
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