I've used black Rit dye to some success in the past (dyed a MU Absorbing Man). However, my last two attempts accomplished absolutely nothing. I tried both the powder and liquid versions. I've heard some grumblings that Rit has changed their formula and that it will no longer work on figures. Has anyone else experienced this problem? If so, do you know of any alternative dyes?

I can vouch for the fact that it no longer works, but not a solution. Sorry

Check Here:

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=39497

And when you're depressed, check here for a glimmer of hope.

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=38906

I haven't tried the stuff in the second thread yet as I haven't even entirely made it through my previously dyed parts stash yet. But maybe, just maybe, there is hope for this type of customizing.

- R

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Thanks, raptor! I searched the forum for "dye", but I didn't find anything. I'll have to try some of the suggested alternatives.

Too short a query I think for the board to understand.

I used to be way into this form of customizing, but no one has really picked up the torch and found a better way to do it. A lot of the alternate options are really caustic, and take a fine hand to get right without ruining the parts.

If you do take the plunge, please report back with as much detail as possible on heat, duration specific brand used and type of parts dyed, so that we can maybe resurrect this form of alchemy.

- R

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Has anyone tried the MEK and petroleum based dye method?
http://makezine.com/projects/make-30/st ... -you-like/

TAKE EXTREME CAUTION WITH THE FUMES!

Okay I gave it a shot last night. I used fodder from every era to check this out. Results are as follows:

25th Ann.- present: most parts took color fine. I did not have the "shoulder joint" on my piece of fodder, which is the part that most people say is the toughest, so I guess somebody else needs to try that - I don't have much in the way of ME fodder.

JvC, VvV: light parts took the dye VERY well. the softer parts, it mostly worked as a paint stripper initially, but started to take. I assume multiple coats will be needed. Also lots of the parts from this era are actually cast dark and painted with light accents. Just a problem that we should all keep in mind.

ARAH: light parts took it well, dark parts took it - barely.

Cast parts: took it very, very well.

I used the purple PVC primer, that is available pre-mixed. To do other colors, you have to buy MEK and mix it with pretro-based colorants, as was mentioned in the above linked article.

Well I hope that helps you guys a little, and the community can start the process of experimenting with this now. If you do, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PROPER VENTILATION!