Military Surplus- iDye Poly Experiment

Have military surplus? Want to change the color? Not sure if it is a good idea? Check out this video on dying military surplus pouches, belts, packs and more. Learn from my mistakes and lessons learned. Don't forget to support the channel, subscribe (it's free), like and share with everyone.
Make the world a better place dye your ABU, UPC or NWU pattern camo!
Get the same dye used in this video here- amzn.to/2tPy9rY
www.unit13fremslt.com
Where I purchased the dyes used in this video: www.dharmatrading.com/
Copyright 2017 UNIT-13FREMSLT **Do not re-upload in whole or in part.** Embedding is welcome. Thank you! Copyright infringement aggressively pursued.

[@strayeddm2882]

I was on the bus when the rooster blasted on full volume lol

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

That's funny, I should have put a volume warning up.

[@gabeguzman8367]

Just did the same but in bed while the wife was falling asleep.... No bueno

[@darrenwong50]

Your video here was extremely useful in aiding me to successfully dye two MOLLE 2 Sustainment Pouches. From advising to use both natural and polyester dyes (as Condura is a hybrid of those fabrics to) to giving tips on the specific set up details and preparation equipment, your input from your own experiences was invaluable to helping out others who want military-grade gear but in different preference colours of our choices. Thank you!

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Glad someone found something useful around here. Thank you!

[@fireteammichael1777]

Yes thanks! I'm literally absorbing all these videos I can find! I'm going to start with UCP trousers and shirts 1st and hopefully get down pat, and eventually attempt my MOLLE II ruck and all its components

[@The_Cysco_Kid]

You know your stuff! No doubt you know your products and the precision in your method is so important for Excellent Results! Thank you soo much for the detailed information!

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Thank you!

[@genekuli]

so much invaluable information, thank you

[@DailyDaze]

Stunning results mate, by far the best. I'm about to have a go myself today, thanks for all the knowledge!

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Thank you! Let us know how your project turns out.

[@williamhudson994]

Great video, best info I've seen on this subject. Thank you!

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Thank you!

[@MAWA2024]

Great video, learned a lot. Appreciate how well you covered each topic and the level of detail. Dyeing fabric is always a bit of trial and error but this should help quite a bit in a successful dye process. Thanks!

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Thank you!

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

great video, thanks

[@jerryrichards8172]

Thanks for sharing ❤

[@nosferatukale7007]

very informative! thank you!!

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Thank you!

[@johndoes2434]

Like you do with taping off sections in painting things you can use wax to keep the guy from dying certain areas of government and then later on use a hot brush and dipping the dye and then using on the Garment to get your camouflage patterns

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

I don't know I'm not familiar with the technique.

[@jerryrichards8172]

I seen someone use rit dye in the color of peacock green and the usp/acp looked great.

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

There are some other videos showing successful use of RIT that is made for the nylons. Check around KZbin before you decide. Thanks for checking out my video!

[@facial210]

I have a pouch I spray painted a section black and it actually stands up to time and looks great...

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Thanks for sharing.

[@goodredman]

Great video with good images before and after. Also helps to see what you had trial and error. Have you tried any other brands of dye? I have RIT synthetic but haven’t used yet. Wonder if I should mix with a natural RIT dye. Item is 60% rayon. Have you had any problems with item shrinking in the hot water bath?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

I've only used the iDye brand for these projects. If you're dying items with synthetic and natural fibers you may want to combine the dye types to get color into them. In my experience the dye for natural fabrics wont work well on synthetic and vice versa. Let us know how it turns out when you complete your project.

[@goodredman]

Thank you so much for such an informative video. Really helps to see the before and after, and learn from some trial and error with the padding etc. I bought Rit synthetic graphite dark gray, however before using wondering if it’s better to use the type of guy you’re showing. Do you believe I will have similar results with this synthetic dye. And, if I do use the one that I have which isn’t the type of day you’ve got should I also add the regular natural nonsynthetic along with also from Rit? I’m dying some thing that has 60% rayon. Have you noticed items shrink if they’re of a natural fiber? Cotton does in hot water usually. From what I read rayon shrinks every time you wash in hot and especially if you put it in dryer hot. What do you think?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

As I understand it the natural materials will shrink from the heat. And as shown in the video some of the synthetic materials will. You're better off testing on a non-essential item first. I don't have experience with the RIT dye. It's always better to follow the manufactures instructions. As noted in the video, correct temperature and submersion time are essential. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@imtoxicAF]

For cleaning the aluminim turkey pot you prob need to sandpaper the scratches cause there is paint in there that cant be cleaned deep enough. Then try using acetone to losen up the paint in the scratches then hot water till the water becomes clear enough to eat out of :)

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

You could try it. However I would not use the pot for cooking no matter how clean it appeared. It's also aluminum, we use stainless or cast iron for cooking.

[@nihilistjohn2551]

What kind of an accent do you have? Tennessee, or northern Georgia perhaps? I am from Louisiana. I enjoy hearing the subtle differences in Southern Accents. Great video. I've been experimenting with dyes myself. Very informative.

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Good catch on that one, Tenn! Thank you for watching.

[@joepack7444]

looks GREAT! but have you experimented with mixing colors to get that original GI dark (OD) "olive drab" color? someone said green+brown+yellow+an orange dye pack all mixed together will give a great earthy green.... i would love to see this with your technique. WWI & WWII gear is all khaki. Then the Korean war & Vietnam went dark green (OD). now everything is nylon and multi-color.

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

No, the only color I've tried is the one in the video. I think the technique would work with a different color choice than mine. They had a color that looked OD but I was trying for a forrest or spruce green in hope the items didn't look so military. Trying to make it look like it came from the hiking store instead of military surplus. I'd like to try the OD color one day it's a favorite of mine for gear.

[@kitl3927]

Some of the dyed equipment looks almost black which is awesome. Did you only use kelly green to get that result? Thanks for making this thorough and detailed video.

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Kelly green is the only color used. When I choose Kelly green I thought it would dye the gear that color and let some of the camouflage pattern show through. What happened after a half hour in the dye is the dark forrest/spruce green color shown in the video. The pack covers color is more like the Kelly color. I was surprised at the darker green shade, I liked it so I dyed my other gear the same color. The black color appearance is do to my photography, in person the color is dark green. I think if you try using the iDye Poly you can get good results. Pick the color you like and dye for 10-15 minute increments, check the color along the way to get the shade you want. Thank for commenting and watching!

[@jwright852]

Depending on how big your item is. I used 2 of the idye poly in a 5 gallon pot. It did about 2 pieces of clothing and a 3 day backpack.

[@kusocm]

@@Unit13FREMSLT Really good video! I was about to ask whether some items appear black or actually came out black. =) I would try to dye some items into a black colour, basically would like to get rid of the camo pattern as much as possible (i.e. having mil spec gear for cheap without the camo for some items). Do you think it would be feasible using your described technique?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

@@kusocm Yes I think it would be possible. Find something small and cheap to experiment with before you commit to the items you want to dye. Good luck, let us know how it turns out.

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

@@munklikescheese9507 The material absorbs the dye. Based on my experience I'd say the smaller amount of dye you use with the added volume of material being dyed the color would be less intense. Sorry for the delay response I have not been getting comment notifications. Thanks for checking out my channel and commenting!

[@dkow2503]

Thanks, the information in the video is very helpful. How did the colors hold up? Did you have any problems with them washing out in the rain or rubbing off to clothes when sweating? I'm still searching for information on how to dye the UCP into something in the direction of MARPAT, but a little bit darker. I'm from Germany and something like our Flecktarn works very well in our dark forests. One guy has a video with a great looking color, but he just mixed it up without writing down any measurements. I think writing down the color mix, temperature and time are essential in case you want to dye more items in the same color, so they match. I hope I can find the right color, otherwise, I will just dye it over in OD and go without a pattern. I'm more of a hiker and bushcrafter, so camouflage is not really a necessity.

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

So far contact with the outer layer of cordura I haven't experienced transfer, the part of the fabric with the polyurethane coating does transfer dye. It seems to uptake a lot of dye. Anything that has contact with it will pick up a little or a lot depends on the item. I agree, the formula must be documented for future reference and to pass the info along to others. I use my gear mostly for hiking as well. I was trying to make it not look so military. The only suggestion I have is if you're trying to keep the camo look dye for short time frames and keep checking the color. I think that would give you the best results. Thank you for watching.

[@dironahlquist8159]

I've gotten close to the MARPAT color by using Rit DyeMore peacock green and chocolate brown mixed together. Gives a nice earthy color

[@johndoes2434]

I think a coffee brown or light tan brown would work real good for this to on those

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Me to. Those browns look good on gear.

[@harvestblades]

I have been meaning to dye some poly, but was just getting some new desert cordura & leather combat boots that I would prefer black. wondering if this will work well enough & look good enough after I'm done & in a year.

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

I'm not sure about that I don't have experience dying boots.

[@thedevilsadvocate31]

Could you recommend a flat grey dye? Have you experimented with Anti-IR?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Look at the color selection for the iDye Poly you might find one you like. No experience with anti-IR.

[@1Splat]

Thanks for the video. It seems some pics looks like the plastic zippers and buckles do take the dye well. I think the dye for synthetic handles the plastics better than the standard dye, no?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Yes, that's why I chose the idye poly. It changed the color of the zippers and webbing. After a lot of use I'm still happy with the results.

[@1Splat]

@@Unit13FREMSLT Cool. Thank you.

[@pyromaximus8890]

This guy/young man is a fucking genius! Epic video to shut up all those naysayers 😂

[@diwiak]

Thanks for video. What about zips, velcro straps, wont it be damaged by color/heat? Thanks

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

I haven't noticed any damage to zippers or Velcro function. After making the video I dyed a medium MOLLE ruck, the zippers took on the same color as the fabric and worked perfectly. The lingerie bag shown in the video I used to dye straps/belts is a good example. That bag was white when purchased. Exercise caution, maintain a constant temperature, use good quality items and I think your project will turn out good based on my experience so far. If you dye something post a comment so we can know how it turned out. Thanks for checking out my video!

[@diwiak]

@@Unit13FREMSLT I obtain perfect CCW cordura bag for amazing price - because of shining magenta color 😕... Now Iam wondering what dye use to turn it to something less attractive 😁. Will let you know with result..

[@enriquefuentes7697]

Do you thi k you can dye multicam with a light shade of black to make it into "Black Munticam"?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Possibly, if you dye it for 5-10 minute spans it might turn out like what you see in Renaissance Marine's video. Check out what his results were in the video link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJi3qp-oac1nbKs

[@harvestblades]

How is the color fastness especially with sun bleaching? I've seen a rit dyed canvas tarp bleach out from dark brown to tan in a week of sun & rain.

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

I'm located in south Florida where we have lots of sunshine and haven't had any issues with fade. So far the only dye transfer I've experienced is on items on the inside of kit lined with waterproofing materials.

[@MEK53]

If you have tried Rit DyeMore Synthetic Fiber Dye, what did you think of it relative to idye poly?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

I've never used the RIT. I'd suggest searching here on KZbin as I've seen a few videos where others have used it successfully. Thanks for checking out my video!

[@jerryrichards8172]

Your dam chicken scared me !

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

lol That seems to get peoples attention better than anything I could have thought of. The information is so important. Hope you found the video educational.

[@jerryrichards8172]

@@Unit13FREMSLT yes I did thanks for sharing 👍

[@GONEWILDFILMS]

The waist are done in cold water so it won't deform the foam padding ??? How long items are left in the dye ??? Thanks for this awesome tutorial.

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

I used heated water for the formed foam belt. Do not rinse it with cold water while the belt is hot it will collapse as shown in video. It must cool down to room temperature before rinsing with cool or cold water. Time left in the dye depends on what color depth you are trying to achieve. The longer in the dye, the darker/deeper the color will be. It is always best to check the color every 10-15 minutes. When unsure it is better to remove the item, save the dye bath, process the item through the rinse cycle, let the item dry. If the color is not to your specifications run it through the dye bath you saved until desired results are achieved. Let us know how it turns out.

[@GONEWILDFILMS]

@@Unit13FREMSLT Planning on dying a Molle II rucksack in black. Thank you for the dying advise.

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

@@GONEWILDFILMS I'm not sure if there was a total time mentioned in the video. If I remember correctly the darkest colors seen on any of the items dyed were left in the dye bath for about a half hour. It's not very visible in the photos but the digital camo pattern can be seen. I've never dyed anything longer to try to hide it.

[@GONEWILDFILMS]

@@Unit13FREMSLT Thank you 👍

[@GONEWILDFILMS]

@@Unit13FREMSLT Was iDye Intensifier & iDye Fixative used ??? Looking at the website and they also recommend these other additives. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@mumugobbi]

if i have a green military surplus and I want to dye it teal or a more muted blue-ish green, what color should i use?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

The answer to that is beyond my skill set. You may want to contact the company directly for more sound advice. Here is a link to the colors available for iDye Poly used in the making of this video. www.jacquardproducts.com/idye-poly Let us know how it turned out. Good luck!

[@mumugobbi]

Thank you my friend! You’re a blessing.

[@user-TROOPER42]

Would thined down fabric paint work for dying?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

That's beyond my skillset I don't have experience with fabric paint.

[@MikeJones-dm1lp]

I've tried dyeing nomex3 fabric and cant get anything to hold do you have anything for nomex or other FR fire resistant clothing?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

I don't have experience dyeing nomex or any FR fabrics. Base on what I've read you might try the idye poly using the following information. Not sure how it would turn out but it's worth a try. Sorry I don't have more for you. If you try again let us know how it turned out. www.slideshare.net/Aamirrnd/dyeing-of-aramid-fibers and oureverydaylife.com/how-to-dye-nomex-12274285.html

[@fireteammichael1777]

Did you try Rit Dye for synthetic fabrics?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

@@fireteammichael1777 No only the iDye

[@CASJUPEIAs]

the first time you tried it, the foam got hard. what did you do differently on the second try to keep the foam soft? thanks in advance for your answer. BR

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

If you follow the temperature range in the video it will be okay. The mistake I made was trying to cool it with cold water. The foam shrank in an instant when I did. When you dye the formed foam let it cool slowly, that should prevent the foam issues. Note: that only applies to the military MOLLE formed foam pack belt, I do not have experience with other items. Hope this helps. If not feel free to write again.

[@CASJUPEIAs]

@@Unit13FREMSLT omg i am so nervous i trye to dye my strollerseat 😱 🙏

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

@@CASJUPEIAs So am I, good luck hope it works out for you. Let me know how it turns out.

[@CASJUPEIAs]

@@Unit13FREMSLT not god 😅 disaster 🙈 now my kitchen and bath is dyed

[@CASJUPEIAs]

@@Unit13FREMSLT My husband will want to kill me😅🤣 but i want to trye again

[@lordtachanka8517]

Im thinking of dying a military surplus iotv do i follow the same process?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

I'm not sure about that one, dying body armor may destroy the effectiveness of the armor. Proceed with caution. If the armor inserts can be removed it may work well but remember the cautions mentioned at the beginning of the video.

[@Buddhapyro]

How’d it go

[@lordtachanka8517]

@@Buddhapyro never did it i just got a moder plate carrier

[@dondodondo]

will this mess up my velcro?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

I've never had it affect the velcro using the techniques in the video.

[@Wylder955]

Do you think iDye Poly black dye would turn a coyote brown plate carrier pitch black ?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Not sure but think it would based on my experience as shown in the video. Sorry for the delayed reply I haven't been receiving comment notifications.

[@Wylder955]

@@Unit13FREMSLT No worries, thanks for the information.

[@Buddhapyro]

@@Wylder955 how’d it turn out

[@chuckaule6292]

why would you want to turn it black? black does not exist in nature, at least not often.

[@jeffreybateham9527]

What is the point of turning "Camo" into a solid color. I'm truly curious

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

In my case it serves 2 purposes, make my military kit look like civilian kit that draws less attention, cover the hideous UCP camo.

[@dironahlquist8159]

ACU/UCP is probably the most reviled camo pattern in history

[@NeuKrofta]

I appreciate the dying information but damn man, why are you doing it to old LC and ALICE gear

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Thanks for the comment. I still use the kit that was dyed in the video.

[@SeaxyBeasyAli]

Have you had any success trying to dye any military surplus gear black?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

No, I haven't tried black. Only the green. Based on the results of my experiment I think it would work if you used the iDye Poly. I stopped dying when the color looked good to me. Leaving the items in the dye longer may get better results. I found that temperature consistency is crucial to success. If you try it let me know how it turns out. Thank you for checking out my video.

[@theforgedlarp]

I am about to do this. I hope it works out.

[@absolutebot]

@@theforgedlarp did it work? I want to dye an old IBA/OTV vest that is in ACU.

[@murderlesson101]

Would that color work with yellow?

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Most likely. Depends on the results you want and the material you're working with. Let us know how it goes. Thank you for watching!

[@murderlesson101]

I want solid black on my plate carrier from yellow

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

@@murderlesson101 Make sure you know what kind of fabric it is made from to get the best results. If you use the iDye Poly and the correct temperature I would think it would be no problem covering the yellow. Save the dye bath until you're sure you get the color you want. If it's not dark enough run another dye cycle.

[@murderlesson101]

Unit-13 FREMSLT thanks for that