Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I'm currently building a Tau ADL like this one:




But, I'm going a step further and am trying to give it a blue tint. So, I'm using the Rit dye method. Since I've never done it before, I'm doing a test piece in the form of a clear drone base. I keep hearing varying reports of soaking it in very hot water (but not boiling) for anywhere from a few seconds to upto 30 minutes. I've done that. So far, its not taking. Is there something I'm doing wrong? How long is this supposed to take? I added the proper ratio of dye to water, I'm sure.

I wouldn't have expected it to take, honestly. RIT works on nylon and related materials, but acrylic, acetate, polyethylene, and polycarbonate (among other plastics) won't normally accept the dye. Even nylon usually requires the addition of vinegar for the dye to really take. I nosed around a few Google hits, since I was unaware that this was ever done, but none of the tutorials (mostly for R/C cars) that cropped up ever mentioned the type of plastic being stained. I'd assume that the material is at fault, not the dye or the method.

I think you may have to "scar" one side with sandpaper to get this method to work. I know, I know, that would result in them not being clear.
Another way you may want to try: Hit it with matte clear then try. May give your dye a little extra to grab.

Glass paints. Thank me later. ;-)