RIT Dye

The process of dyeing with the liquid dye RIT consists of a few simple steps, which is important to perform them properly because if the dyeing process is not executed well it could leave parts that are not tinted or with different shades. The recommended steps are the following:

1. Select Color RIT dye: All RIT dyes available on our website are especially suitable for nylon materials.
2. Preparation of the 3D printed nylon piece: Only the support material should be removed and the underside of the printing should be cleaned of the excess lacquer or adhesive used, otherwise the nylon will not absorb the dye properly through that face. The Buildtak adhesion sheet can be used in printing or raft can be used to avoid this problem.
3. Material and utensils needed: Apart from the dye and water, you will need a pot and/or a microwave, a container or cup, a pair of pliers or tweezers to handle the pieces and a paper towel. The best thing is that the container or cup can be isolated, so that the heat does not escape easily. Make sure you never use the drinking cup after using it to dye parts.
4. Preparation of the solution: The proportion of water to dye to be used will normally be 5:1. To obtain a darker result, a solution with a concentration of up to 3:1 can be used. You must calculate how much volume of liquid is needed to completely submerge the piece and pour only the dye into the container. When the water is boiled, it should be mixed in the same container where the dye has been poured.
5. Tinting process: The piece must be grasped with the help of pliers, tweezers or wires (depending on how the piece is best lent to hold it) and immerse it in the solution previously made. It is important to do it immediately while the water is still hot, otherwise, the piece of nylon will not absorb the dye well. The ideal temperature of the water-dye mixture is between 60ºC and 80ºC. Below 60 °C the dye will not filter well in the piece and above 80 ° C the piece can deform or bubble. You can install systems of temperature control of the solution, recommended only for a large volume of tints and for professional use. Once the pieces are introduced, it is normal to leave them for 1 minute, but this is a variable of choice for each user. The longer the piece is left in the darker solution, the final color will be. What you usually do is take out the pieces every few seconds to see what color you are taking. In the image of the main description it can be seen how varying the time a lighter or darker finish is achieved.
6. Rinse and dry the piece: Once the piece is removed from the solution, it should be rinsed with running water to clean excess dye. Next, place the piece on the paper towel and let it dry for a few minutes.
7. Other tips:

• The dye solution can be reused but will lose effectiveness. The dye is less effective when it is cold. If the dye mixture has cooled down and you want to reuse it, you will simply have to reheat the solution over a low heat until it boils again.
• If a large volume of solution is going to be heated, it is advisable to heat it constantly and keep it within the limits established above.
• Keep the solution warm: if you have a large volume and are concerned that the solution does not remain at the optimum dyeing temperature, a laboratory heating plate can be used to keep the dye temperature within the desired range.
• To carry out the tinting process it is important to use an apron or old clothes to avoid spoiling it when splashing occurs.
• The can must be shaken before using the dye.
• Safety guidelines:

1. Do not discard the dye through the rainwater drain, as it can be reintroduced into the drinking water.
2. The dye is irritating to the eyes. If dye enters the eyes, they should be rinsed immediately with water.
3. Do not eat or drink the dye, as it can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If dye is consumed, rinse your mouth and drink plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting.
4. The dye may cause skin irritation in susceptible people. Wash thoroughly after handling.
5. It is recommended to use rubber gloves to protect hands from stains and the use of hot water. No mask is required for quantities of domestic use.

• RIT dye: It is not toxic. It is safe for disposal and septic systems. It is not a carcinogen: it does not contain any Proposition 65 chemicals. It does not contain chemical materials or products that are hazardous to acute health hazards, chronic health risks or reactive hazards. Not flammable Stable for storage in the original packaging. Meets ASTM D-4236 standards.