All RPM nylon dyeable parts can be dyed with excellent results, including parts molded in natural white, molded white, yellow, blue and other colors.
The most important thing to remember is that dye can only make a part darker than its original color. For example, a yellow part can be dyed orange, red, green, blue, purple or black. A blue part, however, can only be dyed a darker shade of blue, dark purple or black.
What You’ll Need
- Water
- Fabric dye (we recommend Rit™ fabric dye)
- A pot or other heat-safe container
- A heat source
- Tongs or another safe way to remove the parts
Before You Begin
Wash the parts with warm water and a small amount of dish soap to remove any mold release residue, oils, or dirt that may affect dye absorption. Rinse thoroughly before dyeing.
Dyeing Your Parts
Bring the water to a boil and add a small amount of fabric dye. Stir thoroughly until the dye is completely dissolved before placing the parts into the solution.
Completely submerge the parts so that no portion remains above the surface. The final color depends on several factors, including:
- The original color of the part
- The amount of dye used
- Water temperature
- How long the parts remain in the dye bath
Higher dye concentrations and hotter water generally produce darker colors more quickly.
When the parts are first removed from the hot dye bath, they may appear slightly lighter than their final color. Allow them to cool completely before deciding whether additional dyeing is needed. If the color is still lighter than desired, simply return the parts to the dye bath for a little longer.
Always remove the parts before adding more dye to the solution. This helps ensure the color develops evenly.
Because the final color is influenced by the original part color, dye concentration, water temperature and dyeing time, results may vary. If you’re trying to achieve a specific shade, it’s best to start with a lighter dye concentration and gradually darken the parts until you reach the desired color.
Getting Consistent Results
If you’re dyeing multiple parts for the same vehicle, the easiest way to achieve a consistent color is to dye all of them at the same time.
If that isn’t possible, keep notes so you can duplicate the process. Record items such as:
- Water temperature (rolling boil, gentle simmer, etc.)
- Amount of water and dye used
- Brand and type of fabric dye
- Total time the parts remained in the dye bath
Will Dyeing Affect Tire Glue?
No.
Dyeing changes the color of the nylon itself. It is not a coating or plating process. Because the surface isn’t covered with an additional layer, dyeing has no effect on the strength of adhesive bonds when gluing tires to RPM dyeable wheels.