I've been working on learning how to properly dye so I can create some dark elf BJDs~! My first attempt was kaput, poor thing came out super streaked. I was very hesitate at the idea of sanding my dolls head prior to dipping him in the bath which is a shame because the color is perfect! Had I listened to the forums advice I might have him done already. So my question is, has anyone ever stored the dye bath they made? Say if you wait for it to cool, place some salt in a jar, then place the dye mixture in that jar could it be used again?
I don’t know how effective keeping the dye bath and adding salt could change the effect of the dye significantly. When I dyed Izzy I mixed a "formula" of three different rit dymore colors based on this tutorial into one of those tiny vodka bottles and it worked out pretty good.
Thank you so much for this suggestion!!! I'll give this a go on my second try at dying this head. Fingers crossed with properly sanding and using this formula it'll actually turn out this time
Synthetic dyes don't use salt as a fixative, so adding that to your dye bath would be more likely to cause an adverse effect. It's also important to remember that as you heat or reheat water to boiling, you're going to lose some to steam, which could effect your results by making the dye more concentrated.
Thats an excellent point about the salt! The reason I thought of it was as a way to prevent the water from becoming moldy. I also didn't consider how the reheating process could concentrate it more. It was a very light wash so that might not be the worst to have the color deepen but honestly best to be careful and just start with another batch.
I did go ahead and work with the dye already in place, I created a color match for it and airbrushed out most of the splotches!
That's an amazing colours, he looks incredible. Well done, you're definitely braver than I am, I could never dream of dyeing one of my dolls, no matter how much I'd want to.
Thank you so much!!! Trust me I understand entirely. I was so nervous about starting on my main collection that I figured I'd start with this practice head actually. I had gotten him at a much more reasonable price since I purchased him with a body. You know though after having the worst happen immediately it eliminated my nerves about it! Since now I know it can be worked around