Author Topic: RIT dye (Read 3333 times)

shootrj2003 · « **on:** March 28, 2021, 05:30:03 PM »

Has anyone used RIT dye for coloring epoxy? I notice it contains salt( sodium chloride) so I gave it up as a bad idea if in contact with metal ,am I wrong,have others tried it with no bad results?

Daniel Coats · « **Reply #1 on:** March 28, 2021, 05:43:22 PM »

I've not tried it but dry paint pigment is available at most hobby and craft stores.

B.Habermehl · « **Reply #2 on:** March 28, 2021, 05:46:44 PM »

Some of our makers use a wash of Yellow rit dye to help highlight finishing blemishes during the scraping and or sanding stages of finishing as it has no or minimal effect on the final staining. I don’t think I’d mix it with epoxy. I used to use aniline dye powder that used to be available from Brownells. BJH

Not English · « **Reply #3 on:** March 28, 2021, 08:34:19 PM »

Any dry pigment can be mixed with epoxy. Liquid colors do not always work well with epoxy unless specifically formulated for tinting epoxies.

bluenoser · « **Reply #4 on:** March 28, 2021, 10:35:58 PM »

Natural earth pigments would likely be a good choice. I used them with good results for tinting fillers when in the cabinetmaking business. Combine pigments to get the desired shade. They mix well with epoxy. Although I never had a problem, I cannot speak to what it does to bond strength. I have also mixed them with and applied them over wet finishes for antiquing and shading.
https://www.earthpigments.com/

shifty · « **Reply #5 on:** March 28, 2021, 11:19:45 PM »

I have used Ink from Hobby Lobby mixed with epoxy worked good for me.

Not English · « **Reply #6 on:** March 28, 2021, 11:38:31 PM »

Bluenoser definitely has it right, Dry pigments will not weaken epoxy and could possibly strengthen it depending on what they are composed of. Shifty's comment about Hobby Lobby ink is good to know. The problem with using liquids is that they could possibly distort the resin:hardener ratio which will affect strength.

shootrj2003 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 29, 2021, 12:30:09 AM »

I also have always been leery of mixing anything “wet” with epoxy mixes as the” wet “,seems to me, has to dry out or become a sealed gob of liquid OR a permanent softening or weakening component of the mix,so dry pigments have seemed to me to be the only route to color epoxy mixes,I have heard of others mixing such things as shoe polish,acrylic paint,and ink now, and heard ,surprisingly of useful results,all of these fall under my definition of “ wet” color ants,so I’m still leery.I would like to find ,locally , dry pigments,I guess I could try Hobby Lobby,one poster mentioned dry pigments in hobby or craft stores what stores if I might ask? I have used wood dust from my sander and my small bandsaw specifically as it is extremely dust like however stronger color ants are often desired,and as I said local sources are desired as I hate waiting when I want it today ,I’d rather travel 50 miles for immediate gratification !lol! But ,I like driving that’s just me.

rich pierce · « **Reply #8 on:** March 29, 2021, 12:54:23 AM »

These are typical of what can be had at a good art supply store or online. https://www.dickblick.com/products/gamblin-artists-grade-pigments/

shootrj2003 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 29, 2021, 04:24:41 PM »

That is good stuff ,I’ll have to look into art supply stores around here,it’s funny woodworker stores around here have been tried and dont seem to make it,high quality wood tool stores / construction type do but artsy wood stuff you have to go out to conn and Mass. for stores like that and they do fine there ,but that is a day trip/ 6-8 hrs round trip,the closest possibility here is Woodstock ,N.Y. Which is well known as a artist/ hippie type community,it is not the famous rock area, but it is close to Numrich Arms in West Hurley,which was great to visit years ago,however they don’t have a walk in store any more.There is also places down in NYC ,you can get ANYTHING in the city ,however that is a big day too,and your best deal is park the car and take the train!

Tim Crosby · « **Reply #10 on:** March 29, 2021, 04:36:18 PM »

I have used oil based leather dyes in Epoxy when needed for years, probably 30+ and never had a problem, it only takes a touch to color clear.

Tim C.

Not English · « **Reply #11 on:** March 30, 2021, 08:52:11 AM »

Shootr, I use poster paint powder. The same as used in school when a kid. I just vary the amount added for color. I also use some gilsonite powder (black). It's also known as asphaltum. Admittedly it's a little hit or miss when it comes to color matches, but I haven't had any complaints so far.

shootrj2003 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 30, 2021, 02:08:20 PM »

What are oil based leather dyes?
I was playing around with stuff,figuring things I could use in a pinch that would not require ordering online,or even a trip to the store.Well ,I came up with these

upload image for freeI just can’t figure it if they might attract critters or spook em! Nice colors too.

bluenoser · « **Reply #13 on:** March 30, 2021, 03:29:51 PM »

Interesting.
I wonder if they would be color fast and how they would react to moisture. Being organic, they might host mold and the like.

Tim Crosby · « **Reply #14 on:** March 30, 2021, 03:52:34 PM »

Quote from: shootrj2003 on March 30, 2021, 02:08:20 PM

What are oil based leather dyes?

This is one brand, The two spots next to it are epoxy mixed with it, on the Left Dark Brown on the Right Saddle Tan.

Tim C.

P.W.Berkuta · « **Reply #15 on:** March 31, 2021, 09:49:52 AM »

Brownell has pigments to color their epoxy bedding compounds. They use two different epoxy compounds one is a gel and the other is runny - if they use the stuff it should work in most epoxies. You only need very little to color the epoxy. I also have used artist tints to get different colors with no issue. As the old Brylcreem hair cream commercial said "A little dab will do ya".

Ats5331 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 31, 2021, 05:55:59 PM »

Never tried RIT on wood or epoxy. Works wonderful for staining horns though!

Not English · « **Reply #17 on:** April 01, 2021, 09:20:47 PM »

Bluenoser, what's the difference between Shootr's powdered spice colors and a wood gunstock? Both are organic and ultimately protected by epoxy and/or finish.

Scota4570 · « **Reply #18 on:** April 01, 2021, 09:27:48 PM »

For dark brown I use belt sander dust of dark walnut wood. I let the sanding dust land on the wet epoxy. For black I use black iron oxide powder. I used to use copier toner.

bluenoser · « **Reply #19 on:** April 02, 2021, 07:03:19 PM »

In response to Not English,
Even though I tried to choose my words carefully, my comments appear to have been open to misinterpretation . I did not say the spices are not suitable coloring agents. I said "I WONDER if they would be color fast and how they would react to moisture". Would I consider using them as a coloring agent? Yes. Would I use them as a coloring agent prior to thoroughly testing them? Definitely not.

Compounds vary in their susceptibility to fading and/or color-shift. Encasing a susceptible compound in epoxy or sealing it under a finish would likely do little to block color-shift or fading.

Not all organic compounds are created equal. Compounds vary in their susceptibility to hosting molds and the like. The comment about being protected when sealed in epoxy is well taken, and it does directly relate to the OP's original question. However, we tend to use coloring agents in many ways. Some of the finishes we use in our builds are not particularly moisture resistant and the coloring agent is not always applied in or under the finish. I doubt such a finish would do much to block discoloration due to molds and the like in a poorly-chosen coloring agent.

I was simply suggesting it would be advisable to test before using.

jerrywh · « **Reply #20 on:** April 02, 2021, 08:18:04 PM »

I have used dry poster paint powder to die epoxy and it colors OK but the epoxy never gets as hard then. It stays sort of like soft plastic.

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Author Topic: RIT dye (Read 3333 times)