Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / April 2004

I recently dyed a SIG canopy for my Super Kaos 180.  I mixed one box black
and one box dark blue, about 3 cups of white vinegar, and about 2 1/2
gallons of hot water.  I put it in an old beat up pot and heated it to
almost a boil on the stove ( make sure you use the vent fan over the stove
as this is a bit smelly from the vinegar.)  I then turned off the heat and
let the mixture cool until it was at 145 deg F ( checked it with a cheap
$4.00 meat thermometer).  After stirring well I dunked the canopy for about
8-10 minutes.  Rinsed well in cold water.  It came out a very dark
gray/black.

If you use just black dye it always seems to come out more a greenish grey
than black.

I found that the dye doesn't seem to "activate" unless the mixture is first
heated to at least 180 deg F. for a few minutes.  Just don't immerse the
canopy until the mix cools to 145 deg F or it will soften too much and
distort.  If you let the mix cool below 135 deg F before putting in the
canopy it doesn't get very dark.  Start at 145 deg F and it should work
well.

This has worked well for the material in Sig brand canopies - if you use
another brand of canopy you will need to experiment.

Make sure to have an extra canopy or two on hand before starting- dying
plastic like this is always a bit hit-or-miss and it may take one or two
tries to get the result you want.  If you get good results on the first try,
dye your spares while you have all the equipment set up and store them away

Mark D. Fain

Yep, as a plastic scale modeller that is one way to do it (not that I have
personally done it). Don't get the dye too hot and build up with successive
dips.

If you have access to an airbrush or a small touch up spray gun, get some
Tamiya acyrlic smoke in the small jar. Thin it slightly (Windex is often
used as a thinner) and lay it on in fine coats until you build up the level
of tint you need. Don't slather it on as it will run.

If a disaster occurs wash it off immediately. If it dries with a bad finish,
use some low fume-low/no caustic spray on oven cleaner. Take common sense
precautions and scrub it off with a toothbrush under running water. The
stuff should basically wash off.

Er, do ya really wanta kill it? (BG) -- CR

Don,t make the water real hot, sometimes it distorts the canopy.  Also some
of the plastic canopies don,t take the dye.  In that case I spray paint from
inside.

Add 1/2 C baking soda to the dye.  It will help "set" it so you don'
fade.

Vipe

--
Viper Pilo