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Dyeing Dyeing troubles

Jan 14, 2023

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    1. I'm working on a huge commission project and the dyeing should have been the easy part....
      I've dyed many a doll and I've never had these kinds of issues.
      Basically, the head and hands have additive and substractive mods. I used Milliput ultra fine white and later on the regular kind. These two types already don't take dye the same way apparently, but the white is barely taking any... usually milliput takes dye extra well in my experience so I am very confused.
      The areas that don't have milliput have been sanded, either lightly or extensively and the dye is not taking well.

      I'm using iDye Poly (two packets, which may have been too many as I'm now just getting dye residue instead of actual dyeing happening), I cleaned and degreased the parts beforehand. I've left the parts in quite some time.

      [​IMG]20230114_150631 by Snow Nymrah, on Flickr

      [​IMG]20230114_175428 by Snow Nymrah, on Flickr

      It has to be pitch black, which is like the easiest thing to do, but it's not working *_* the rest of the body dyed fine.
      Painting/blushing over it isn't really an option either as I was specifically asked to dye so the owner didn't have to worry about any chipping.

      Does anyone have any ideas or tips?
       
      #1 Snow, Jan 14, 2023
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    2. Have you’ve thought about trying a different dye? I really love rit dyemore. Idk if it’s an option you want to go through but I hope you find a solution
       
      #2 ellie, Jan 14, 2023
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    3. I'm goin to second trying Rit Dyemore. I've never used idye or additive mods like this, but i do swear by Rit. I've heard some people say idye is hit or miss. It's at least worth a shot. Most hobby stores have it in stock these days. Not sure where you are but i've even seen it my local Target.
      Make sure it's the Dyemore version as that's the one for synthetics and plastic in general
       
      #3 DontShoottheDucks, Jan 14, 2023
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    4. I use Rit Dyemore for all other colors than black, as I've not been able to get a pitch black with their graphite yet, but it's worth a try at this point. I'll have to order it.
       
      #4 Snow, Jan 15, 2023
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    5. Has any one had success with getting that pitch black? I'm very interested in how you achieve it. I have similar plans.
       
      #5 Vimes, Apr 30, 2023
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    6. Dye problems tend to be Bad dye, insufficient prep of the resin (like leaving sealant on), pot or spoon being made out of a metal reacting to the dye, or wrong temperatures or dye to water ratio. One of my tutorials is some tips on Dyeing, I think it's still up. but we also have many threads on it here in the workshop section.

      *edit- I never put the Dye Tips here, but if I'm allowed to link out, here it is. And the Part Two
       
      #6 Rosslyn, Apr 30, 2023
      Last edited: Apr 30, 2023
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    7. I didn't know about the material of the pot! I have those tips book marked. Thank you very much!
       
      #7 Vimes, Apr 30, 2023
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    8. You're welcome! I have dyed a doll solid black, and it helps to add a little of blue purple or brown, whatever will balance the tones of the color youre getting.

      [​IMG]

      The main key is don't let the dye get too hot, stir regularly as you go, and keep re-dunking. And keep re-dunking. And re-dunking. You can always add more dye to go darker.
       
      #8 Rosslyn, Apr 30, 2023
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