atom3624 Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 There's been the recurrence of a popular thread - dyeing wheels - recently. There's also been the Tamiya low-rider and equivalents being offered. Many of these shells are the old-style white plastic bodies. Would it be possible to get the Rat Rod type look by dyeing the plastic, instead of painting it? Just a thought, as it would be satin / matt in appearance, just like a Rat Rod. Al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nitroholic Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 I don;t see why it couldn't work. I have never tried dying ABS type plastics, but as long as the surface is porous enough to absorb the dye, it should work. At least if it messes up, you can always just wipe it down and paint it as normal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex97 Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 It should work, I would you extra dye due to the amount of water need to cover the shell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCbutcher Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Its possible but ??? Everything ive triex to dye with smooth shiney finish hasn't taken to it either untouched or slightly discoloured. But I haven't tried abs either ive read of some plastics shrivelling up in the dye like aeroplane cock pit plastic. The best plastics ive found are ones like traxxas grey or hpi with a kinda like sponge type finish its not smooth atleast just absorbs it really well. 15min to dye their chassis. I leave the plastic in just boiled water clean it then let it soak while I prep the dying tub then just transfer the plastics from the hot water to hot dye it cuts the time down by loads with black dye atleast on grey plastics its done within 15min but I let it sit another 15mins unless I want that slightly copper tint when it hits sunlight. Best thing to do would be dye some abs from the off cuts of body if you get any. Are those plastic pic nic spoons abs? If so try to dye one if those too ive read people practice painting abs shades on those spoons so it might be a working test. Lightly sand one too and see if one spoon takes better than the other maybe. Its a good idea for clean perfect finish and texture. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noj Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 That was my initial thought, will the surface of the shell allow the dye to penetrate? Not convinced personally...second the motion to try a shell that doesn't matter, I wouldn't try another object made of abs, as the chemical make up/finish could be too dissimilar to be useful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johninderby Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 The big problem is that the softening temp of ABS is only just above the activation temp of the dye so it's going to be a very tricky process. You might need to do several bodies to come up with one that has dyed properly but isn't deformed. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted July 29, 2014 Author Share Posted July 29, 2014 The 'odd thought' can be dangerous! It's what happens when I travel - too much time in Hotel rooms!! I was wondering about the 'pores' of the plastic (smoothness call it) and the temperatures. Interesting 'though I thought! Al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noj Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Great idea, stimulated discussion, conclusion reached Hadn't considered the melting point of the shell. A can of matt spray it will have to be... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted July 29, 2014 Author Share Posted July 29, 2014 Back to River Monsters on Discovery it is then ....... !! Al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noj Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 Jeremy Wade FTW! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted July 29, 2014 Author Share Posted July 29, 2014 That's the one! 06:20 and he's on again! Fitzroy River up in NT, Oz chasing a sawfish - definitely something missing!! I like the support information, and a bit fed up of the news - nothing but Hamas and Israel, but that's modern travel and hotels for you nowadays!! Back to Jeremy Wade's hunt for the sawfish!! .... on the original thread, has anyone tried it .... yet? Al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted August 4, 2014 Author Share Posted August 4, 2014 Had to post this. Apologies if there is anyone who's fallen victim, but it's one of those deadly serious, yet hilarious names!! Jeremy Wade's just been to Papua New Guinea to catch .... The Ball Cutter!! Why's it called that? It castrates the unfortunate victim!! Wonders of Discovery Channel when travelling! Al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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