Custom Action Figures With Rit Dye

[@joshuagundamu]

in case no one's said it, adding vinegar to the normal rit dye will make it take to your soft pvc plastic figures. I hope that helps.... I've made 100s of customs this way.

[@InkDropCustoms]

Thanks No one mentioned that.. yet soft plastics haven’t been a problem…. I really like Rit dye… certainly a great technique Thanks again

[@cjh7234]

​@Ink Drop Customs ty for your content just thought I'd let ya know I appreciate this channel and the content you do man!

[@InkDropCustoms]

Thanks Thanks for watching Glad to share More on the way

[@magikarptreviews]

Im about to try the vinegar trick!

[@InkDropCustoms]

Interesting Ill have to try it… how much needs to be added?

[@arthurchen6464]

This is probably the most comprehensive and detailed, experience-based tutorial on using Rit dye to color figures on youtube. Even includes possible issues and mistakes one can make. I just couple of days ago finally did my first every black Rit dyejob on a few figure parts, after years of eyeing the method, and it's looking like a great supplemental method of coloring figures along with paints. Thanks a bunch on making the video!

[@InkDropCustoms]

Thanks for watching Glad to share

[@andrewmilton4679]

You had my THUMBS UP not even 3 minutes in, sir!!! It was your original design Robin that drew me to your channel so long ago, everything you've done since then has been an absolute treat!!! AMAZING video!!! 😍

[@InkDropCustoms]

Glad to share Thanks again for watching and following

[@themerrymaker7144]

I was thinking of dyeing the Cary Kelly legs green to make a Jason Todd custom, so this is a good proof of concept

[@InkDropCustoms]

Oh yes! Green! It will work! Just advise on the topic… Allow 3 weeks after color change to allow the plastic to bleed out if you’re going to paint… Glad to share Thanks again for watching

[@MTB214]

You’re such a great artist! Very inspiring! I made a custom Darth maul from nightmare spawn. Before, I made green suit lex Luther into mr freeze.

[@InkDropCustoms]

Thanks Glad to share Thanks again for watching

[@zombiieofthenite]

Great video !!! Super informative 🤌🏼🤌🏼

[@InkDropCustoms]

Thanks Thanks again for watching

[@Polygonlin]

So does the Dye scrape off with joint rub or a finger nail?

[@InkDropCustoms]

No, but it only permeates the top surface You need to sand it off if you need to remove it It only works on light colors

[@Kitbats]

Appreciate the vid, def learned some new tips for dyeing. Could I ask if you think the used dye will be recyclable? As in, an old batch of synthetic dye can be used to dye some other items even if it's been sometime since the old dye was used?

[@InkDropCustoms]

Yes , it can be reused….l used the same mix to various plastics I mixed up a batch only for the video… But it seems you can certainly store in an airtight jar for future use…not sure how long you can store it…. That certainly make another video

[@InkDropCustoms]

Thanks for watching

[@RadtechCustoms175]

Ive only used this method twice so far, first time it wasn't the synthetic, it took days for it to bind. Have you thought about stripping some of the paint? When I used it, I turning brown to a Navy color and it took well, granted I was using a blank brown body for a custom, the plastic is different than a McFarland fig, so maybe thats why.

[@InkDropCustoms]

You must strip any paint… each brand uses different plastic… they all react differently….even McFarlane use different plastic on the same figure and all react different…then you need for the dye to curr for st least 2 weeks before painting

[@mr.joshua204]

Ive been doing this for along time. The hard part is dying the hard plastic

[@InkDropCustoms]

Yes, hard plastic is challenging

[@mr.joshua204]

@InkDropCustoms the first time I did it was with a power rangers legacy torso. I ended up warping the torso pretty badly. Unfortunately I just resort to air brushing the hard plastics.

[@InkDropCustoms]

Ah same here, its less frustration

[@scottmcclary594]

shrink tube... genius! I never had any dye transfer on any of mine, did you wash them after dying with soap and water and dry by hand with a rag? I was going to do your avatar head trick with Carey Kelly but I'm glad I didn't, I was able to preorder 2 before McFarlane added the 1 limit but I'm gonna have to do animated Tim drake with a Carey Kelly now!

[@InkDropCustoms]

I did wash them But each plastic absorbs dye differently.. Just trying new techniques…. Still learning

[@InkDropCustoms]

Thanks for watching

[@onemangang8879]

Fantastic video! This is a game-changer for customizing. What product did you use to seal the plastic to avoid dye transfer? Did you use like a Krylon or Rustoleum fixative? Thanks!

[@InkDropCustoms]

I use Liquitex matte varnish But you need to cure the figure 3 weeks before working on it

[@onemangang8879]

@@InkDropCustoms Good to know. Thanks again!

[@DuhrectorDude]

Thank you for this video. I've watched it 4-5 times. Where did you get the Robin heads (@3:56 and 4:53)?

[@InkDropCustoms]

Custom Robin sculpts made from Aang - Last airbender- all with custom wigs from McFarlane sculpts

[@InkDropCustoms]

Thanks for watching

[@petergreening4810]

Would this work to prime the Bones minis from Reaper Miniatures? I have a good supply of them and that would really speed the process up.

[@InkDropCustoms]

Im not familiar with the brand… It’s worth a try… each plastic or resin takes dye differently… best to try one before an entire batch

[@trexslapfight]

Currently trying to dye masterverse figures, all of the arms, legs dye very well but the chest is a harder plastic and not taking quickly. If I need to dye it over the course of a few days what type of container/heat method do you recommend?

[@InkDropCustoms]

I use a metal container… i leave it there two weeks, some plastic still will not take dye… then you need for it to bleed out or seal it before working on it

[@trexslapfight]

@@InkDropCustoms Two weeks in room temp water?

[@InkDropCustoms]

I started with hot temperatures but the thermal container did hold the temperature for long so just use room temperature… since i have other projects going i tend to forget about it for two weeks… even then i have to paint certain plastics… not all take dye very well

[@trexslapfight]

@@InkDropCustoms Will give it a go, thanks man! Love the channel.

[@InkDropCustoms]

@@trexslapfight sometimes i leave it longer and still very little effect on certain plastics-- at room temperature- long term heat can distort the plástic

[@MichaelAngeluss]

What did you use to seal? I tried using my go to and it actually changed the color of the dye to a completely different one for the finished product

[@InkDropCustoms]

Im now using Liquitex matte varnish… Applying it after it has had 2weeks bleed out…

[@JomasterTheSecond]

Very slick work! If you don't mind me asking, what did you use for the Tim Drake head?

[@InkDropCustoms]

Its Aang figure…. Came with 3 sculpts and it added a wig…

[@JomasterTheSecond]

@@InkDropCustoms Oh, nice! I'm assuming it's the Loyal Subjects one since it comes with 3. Thanks for letting me know!

[@InkDropCustoms]

There are two versions, each package has different expressions…. Each set mounts a different peg…. You need to retro-fit to the new peg…then add a wig of choice-- I have a video on the process

[@acasualegg6556]

Its a shame I didn't know about sealing the figures. Now, half of my figures are starting to go red on the raised parts. I'm most likely going to have to paint them and seal them but if anyone else has any solutions on removing dye transfer, that would be lovely thank you.

[@InkDropCustoms]

I went through the same situation…. Now i know….

[@PatrickBrennant]

What do find best as far as sealant goes?

[@InkDropCustoms]

I’m using Liquitex matte varnish…. It’s expensive and non-toxic

[@notavailable8514]

what do you suggest sealing the figure with to prevent dye bleed?

[@InkDropCustoms]

Let it bleed out 3 weeks.. you can then seal it if you want, i use Liquitex matte varnish….

[@InkDropCustoms]

Its an oil based product so only the top layer will take the dye not full item to the core… it will bleed out even thru the sealant if done right away…. Allow 3 weeks before working on it again

[@notavailable8514]

@@InkDropCustoms I have krylon matte finish spray... After 3 weeks, do you think that will work?

[@notavailable8514]

Sooooooo... Will the Krylon spray work or no...? Sorry, I just really could use the help.

[@InkDropCustoms]

@notavailable8514 for many it works… i dont like it because it turns white…plus it requires more ventilation and its more expensive

[@TheRealGreeble]

Do you think yellow plastic dyed with synthetic red would come out red? Or more like a dark orange?

[@InkDropCustoms]

All depends on the plastic…?they all react differently- you’ll need to test on a similar plastic

[@MegaEddiezero]

How long would the dye in the parts last? A few years or is it permanent? Would they eventually discolor?

[@InkDropCustoms]

All good questions… i haven’t had one long enough to find out.

[@dgonthatmic2469]

So I have a question I have a blue action figure that I wanted to die read I just tried it out and it is red but it's mostly black does that mean I keep it in longer for it to become brighter ?

[@InkDropCustoms]

Unfortunately dark colors only become darker - you need neutral colors to change to bright colors…different plastics absorb the die differently… Always try it on a spare of the same plastic Have fun

[@frontback4900]

Do you think this vs airbrush which one yield netter result?

[@InkDropCustoms]

Dye works so well …paint rub is not an issue With airbrush you need to make room for paint if not you will have paint rub

[@frontback4900]

@@InkDropCustoms thanks for the reply! That’ll be helpful, one more question, does the dye leave like uneven paint like im not sure about the smoothness and finish of dyeing

[@InkDropCustoms]

@@frontback4900 that all depends on the plastic … some plastics dye better than others…the result is better than paint….but if the plastic will not take the color could look way off. I show that in the video. You must use synthetic dye and let the figure cure for a full week or two . If you work on it right away the dye will absorb in to the paint or other plastics

[@frontback4900]

@@InkDropCustoms ah I see, thank you, with the time curing tho maybe i'll stick to airbrushing for now

[@richardgilbourne1933]

Did you not leave to cure for a week or 2 ?

[@InkDropCustoms]

No, just a two days

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

Did you try regular dye on all the different plastics, or did you just assume? Lots of frustrating parts of this video…. You don’t show or test anything separately. From my own tests I know for a fact you can dye UV resin with normal cheap fabric dye. You’re saying you can only use synthetic fiber dye. Not true. And then you’re trying every kind of plastic at once. Not testing them individually. You’re not showing before and after comparisons. You’re not measuring the amount of dye to water. You’re not showing the difference time has on the color absorption. This video is just “hey you can dye plastic with dye, imagine that” which I think we all already guessed. 😅 I’d love to see a thorough step by step…

[@InkDropCustoms]

From advice given to me … synthetic dye only… i did use regular dye…. No effect All plastics in this mix are different… Soft plastic, resin, hard plastic, semi- hard plastic