[TX_kiwi]

In response to a suggestion that I dye FCs, I recently posted on the Sopranos v. Faux Clays thread that I already had bought colored FCs. Not....

It turns out that the e-tailer was relying on a distributor and that the distrib. was out of stock. Struck the same thing on two other websites that claimed to have colored (blue, green & black) FCs available. Since I'd already pulled the trigger on whites and reds from DCG, I'm committed to the FCN, so I placed an second order for another 500 white FCs. Looks like I'm doing the dye thing after all...


While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I've seen some comments that some colors look a bit tacky. Obviously you can get this wrong. I've already got white and red. My plan is to use the following RIT dye colors:

Black = Black (duh)
Yellow = Golden Yellow
Green = Kelly Green
So my question is how to achieve a good, rich, light to mid-blue?

There appears to be two options - Royal Blue and short exposure to the dye or light 'evening blue' and let them really soak (possibly two visits to the dye).

What do the voices of experience say?

Also what are thoughts on adjusting the 'Kelly Green'. Possibly lightened with a touch of the yellow or deepened with a touch of the blue? Is this doomed to garishness or has someone done it before?

Also looking at the tips on the dyeing process has anyone tried boiling the whites in plain water before placing them in the dye (to pre-soften them and possibly maximise the dye penetration)?

Thanks, any and all help appreciated.

Now not only do I have to explain to my wife how shopping for one set of chips resulted in two sets (sopranos & FCs), but she's going to be really pleased about this dyeing thing. I'll try and do it on the bar-b-cue's side burner in the garage. Also the additional cost of dye and pots, strainers etc makes the FCs start to look pricier...

[ACE'S FULL]

If I was in your place I would try to locate green and even maybe black... The greens that I have seen are less then desireable IMO. The greens should be easy to find. The black you are going to pay about $0.20ish per, IMO you will like the results much better than dying them yourself...

[links_slayer]

Dye penetration really isn't an issue. Get 'em the color (shade you want) and you'll be fine.

As far as the blue color is concerned, go with Royal Blue. 2 tsp. of dye in 7 cups of water and 1/4 cup vinegar will do the trick only a few minutes.

[TX_kiwi]

Thanks Ace's Full.

However, I can't find any supply of green or black on the net. I'd rather buy than dye. Anyone know of where I might find some?

[JPinAZ]

Originally Posted by links_slayer

Dye penetration really isn't an issue. Get 'em the color (shade you want) and you'll be fine.

As far as the blue color is concerned, go with Royal Blue. 2 tsp. of dye in 7 cups of water and 1/4 cup vinegar will do the trick only a few minutes.

I just did a batch (200) of royal blue & found that dye penetration was an issue with only a few minutes of soaking. I put them in for maybe 5 minutes or so & they had a nice color. After they dried, scratches were very noticeable & you could get some white to show through with just a bit of pressure.

I put them back on a second time while boiling for around 20 minutes & let them soak with the burner turned off for another 90. The color is not as dark at a Mirage $1 chip but it's nowhere near the light blue of an MGM $1 chip, which I think might be what you're trying to get. They're definitely darker than the original FC blue.

If you have stainless steel cookware, don't worry about needing to buy a new pot. I had a few places near the water line that dried out a bit from evaporation but it wasn't anything that scrubbing for 30 seconds or couldn't clean. Definitely use a dedicated spoon for stirring and a deep stock pot to minimize splattering. Also keep some bleach available to rinse out the sink after rinsing.

I actually did these in two "separate, but not really" batches. I did 100 at first & discovered the dye penetration issue. So I decided to add another rack worth. I added the new 100 and stirred for what I figured was the amount of time the first batch was in, then added the first batch to the second. The shading came out pretty even to my eye.

Next up will be a batch of fuschia and then some tan or maybe gray. (Can you do gray?)

[links_slayer]

Originally Posted by JPinAZ

I just did a batch (200) of royal blue & found that dye penetration was an issue with only a few minutes of soaking.


(Can you do gray?)

I was just posting from my experience. Your mileage may vary.

Yes, you can do gray. I think the RIT color is Pearl Grey.

[TX_kiwi]

Thanks JPinAZ,

Your royal blue chips look great. IMO the deeper, richer, colors give the FCs a more elegant look.

Royal Blue it is, and I'll try your 90 minutes soak with the Kelly Green as well.

[JPinAZ]

I was referring to the quantity of chips, not anything that held them while dyeing. I just put them in loose & stirred.

I put the stainer in the sink & dumped (very slowly) into that when done.