Antron Fleece Dye Methods?

[Fozzie Bear]

From my research, 100% polyester can only be dyed commercially.

Sometimes my life stinks.

 

[Phantom]

Buck up, little Buckaroo. Make the best of what the good Lord gives you and keep chasing that rainbow. And someday, you may have a ranch of your own, with cattle and clear running streams. Shoot, I even bet old Sparky here will be there, too...Now, get the shovel...

 

[Fozzie Bear]

Thanks. I mean, I'm not THAT depressed over not being able to dye polyester, but thanks for the good cheer!

 

[Muppetsdownunder]

I received some antron fleece samples from the US in the post yesterday and I can see what all the rave is about. Before I order some I want to know how to dye it and what dye to use, where to get it etc. is the dye easy to get?

Would appreciate any help from anyone!

Once I know all that and sharpen up my skills with the cheaper fabric I have I will order some.

 

[Phantom]

RIT dye works well with Antron. I used half of a pack of RIT purple dye on my newest puppet and the color is great.

But the absolute best-est (which is really good) is Jacquard Acid Dyes...the color is phenominal. I have a Salmon and Pumpkin colors and I can get anywhere from a pale peach to orange by varying the amounts. (By mistake, I even got red. ) Check it out.

One suggestion: Keep good notes on your dying (times, amounts, etc.) It helps for repeatibility.

 

[Muppetsdownunder]

So do you just follow the instructions on the pack and mix it in with water in a tub and move the fabric around or something? Does anythng else need to be applied other than the dye, like a fixer or something?

 

[Phantom]

I've never applied a fixer and I use it in the washing machine.

I mix the dye bath on the stove as instucted then add it my washing machine (set on lowest level, hottest h2o, gentle cycle) and mix it up really good. I then add my fleece. I let the cycle run for about 3 minutes, stop it for 6 more, then let it finish. I air dry the fleece.

It works well for me.

I tried RIT on the stove top, but my vat was too small or something. I got a little uneven color in spots and the shade varied a little from beginning to end. (I cut my fabric in to 3 large pieces for head/neck, body, everything else (arms, ears, nose..)) It was pretty, but not what I was after.

The acid dye is easier. You just add it to the h2o, add vinegar as instructed, mix well and add fabric. I don't remember specifically how I time the cycle, but I have it written down. (i.e. keep good notes)

 

[Muppetsdownunder]

That sounds interesting, thanks for the tips. Wouldnt that ruin your washing machine or atleast the clothes put into it afterwards? or is that a special washing machine just used for dying? or does the dye leave the washing machine afterwards? Also, I would have thought dying the fleece on the stovetop would have melted it or something.

 

[Phantom]

RIT says to immediately rinse the washer with hot water and bleach. I fill-er-up add bleach and run through the short cycle. Pretty easy.

I don't know what the melting point of Antron is, but the h2o temp on the stove is around 190 F. (almost boiling)

I've only been building for 2 years, I may not be the best to answer. I would like to see what the "veteran" builders have to say.

 

[shua]

Colors

Does anybody have a chart of colors for RIT dyes to make non-standard colors?

ie. Beaker's Face color? 2 parts xxxx 1 part xxx? or is it all trial and error?

Thanks

Anoobus