racine2000

My Feedback: (1)

I bought some rit dye to tint the canopy on my sportster. I used the spray tint before but had small bubbles and had to darken it more than originally intended in order to "fix" it.

Anyone have tips on using rit dye? I already cut the canopy, so when I submerse it, how do I keep it from resting on the bottom of the pan, or does that matter?

Thanks!

Ron

Dugster

Ron,

Rit dye is very flexible stuff. You can do it cold, just takes a lot longer, but won'twarp the plastic. Or better yet put the canopy in a metal strainer then put that in the pan, that way the canopy doesn't touch the hot bottom. Set the temp as low as you can and keep a close eye on it.

snsmith

My Feedback: (5)

Maybe I expect too much, but I can't get a deep tint with Rit dye. I just finished my second canopy last night and while it looks better, it really isn't as dark as I would like.

The canopy is from a Midwest G-202 and I used three packs of black dye in about 8 gallons of hot (really hot) water. Soaked it for ~6 hours and it came out a sorta brownish tint. Repeated with 2 packs of navy blue dye in hot water for ~3 hours more and it's a nice blue tint, just not dark. Am I missing something?

Dugster

I would have tried 2 packs in the smallest pan that would fit the canopy. Soak it for 48 hours or more, if that's what it takes to get the shade you want. Also, from my experience heat doesn't seem to matter much, it's concentration (lot's of dye, little water) and time.

And yes, black almost always comes out brown, use dark blue.

cubfan

You might try to clean the canopy with vinger before you put it in the dye.

XLR8

My Feedback: (1)

Those guys are right. Black is OK if you are going to soak it for about a week, and you will get a DARK tint. I have had the best luck with Rit powder, Denim Blue being the color of choice. Also, some canopies tint better than others.... I did one on an Ohio Sukhoi one time that took about 3 soaks to get it as dark as I wanted it to be. If heat is a concern, just use it cold. Leave it in there as long as it takes to get the tint to your liking!

flyingcubby

My Feedback: (35)

Just remember to use one heaping tablespoon of salt for every half gallon of water to insure the tint stays..Regards Mike

rcman-RCU

My Feedback: (31)

Be very careful when using hot water. I used about 150 degree water and ruined a plastic canopy and cowl. Both pieces curled up and were unusable. The replacement parts cost me $40.

racine2000

My Feedback: (1)

Thanks for the replies-

I am not in a hurry and will make sure I don't get the water too hot. If it has to soak a while it is no big deal, I'll save that part for last. Thanks again for the advice

Ron