Anyone ever use vinyl dye?

[RickB]

I've bought a can of black vinyl dye from Summit, as soon as the weather gets a bit better I plan on seeing how it works.
Have any of you tried the stuff?
Any tips would be appreciated, like I suppose it's smart to clean the vinyl thoroughly before use?
I know it seems simple, but once again I'm about to try something new so I thought I'd ask here first. :wink:

 

[Nelson]

I have used a different brand of dye and had good results. The brand I used is SEM and along with the dye I bought a can of vinyl cleaner that they also sell. I liked the idea of having both items by the same manufacturer. Someone on a differnt group had recommended this brand and my local auto paint supply store stocks it. Good luck with your project.

 

[Atrus]

In addition to cleaning, I think it's recommended to use a 3M scuff pad to rough up the surface slightly for it to adhere.

That's what they did on Trucks! on Spike TV :wink:

 

[bthompson]

I painted every inch of my interior with SEM vinl dye a few months ago.

I scrubbed the panels with soap and water, and followed up with wax-and-grease remover. I didn't do the Scotchbrite step, but so far everything's fine: no lifting or peeling.

 

[Gray_Cat]

Bill:
What color was your interior originally?
Thanks!
Roy

 

[RickB]

That's encouraging, I'm going from brown to black so it should work out well.
Clean and scuff. Got it. :wink:

 

[jvandyke]

So it's really a paint not a dye right? I think most leather is. I looked into fixing up my Dodge's leather seats and was told it's just a colored paint on leather.

 

[RickB]

hmmm... this is for plastic, I hope it's not paint.

I actually bought two from the same place, one says it will not color cloth, only vinyl. Paint wouldn't care I suppose.

 

[dklawson]

The "dyes" are really paint, but they are vinyl paint, and thin paint at that.

I have used a couple of different colors of SEM dye on the Mini and my project Spitfire. I have only done one "drastic" color changed and that was white over green. It took about three coats of white to cover the green but the results look very good. I've always had good luck with SEM.

 

[toysrrus]

Hi Rick,

I`ve used a Co. called "COLOR PLUS" located in "MILFORD, PA" many time over.

www.colorplus.com

The contact phone # is: (570)686-3158: I believe the owners name is "Joanne" (It is Joanne):

She offers std. colors as well as special colors to your order. A "PINT" typ. covered the whole int. of a TR3 & Jag I had (Seats, Door Panels, Dash etc). This is a "DYE" not a paint cover-up! It actually absorbs into the grain of the mat`l. whether it be Vinyl or Leather. You could`nt get it off with a "Brillo" pad after drying!

Std. color (Red,Blk,Green etc) is about $80 - $90.00 pint! Its pricely but well worth every penny.

You "Brush" it on! When you apply it; You use "Criss-Cross" strokes to get the dye to evenly spread into the grain. It looks "Streaky" as heck when intially applied. Let dry for approx. 24hrs at "Room Temp" and You just can`t believe the results! "LIKE A BRAND NEW INTERIOR"!

"IMPORTANT": Make certain you buy one of her "CAMEL HAIR" brushes (Approx. $10.00). They are very soft bristles and don`t come apart when used!

Tell her "Russ" from "Effort, PA" sent you. Nothing in it for me & probably not for yourself. I`m just saying hello.

Best Wishes,

Russ

 

[bthompson]

Bill:
What color was your interior originally?

Standard black. The SEM dye covered it amazingly well.
Before:

After:

 

[Gray_Cat]

Thatis <span style="text-decoration: underline">amazing</span>, thanks Bill!
Roy

 

[DrEntropy]

I'll throw in with SEM, too. Their "Color Coating" flexible paint. Likely as good as you'll find. It doesn't like "slick" surfaces like plastic trim and will let go after a year or so if you don't prep correctly. Scuff things LIGHTLY and be aware of cleanliness. I use mineral spirits first, then soap and water (on towels, not throwing it around), rinse and dry thoroughly.