Interior Discussion about interior restoration, repairs, and modifications.

Rit Dye the carpets?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 12:38 PM
  #1  
Gsoleski's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Car: 1984 Z28
Engine: Vortec 350, hotcam
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Rit Dye the carpets?

I have every piece needed to change my tan interior to black except for the front and rear carpet. I was wondering if it's possible to just soak the tan carpeting in black rit dye and it would turn out black? or would it just look like crap? I'm not looking for a showroom quality carpet.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 01:20 PM
  #2  
firebird904's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 601
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Car: 1988 camaro
Engine: cammed 3.1
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.42
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

I've searched online about this because I've been wanting to dye my tan carpets to black. From some images I've seen it looks pretty good but not sure how it would look in person.. I have all black interior and even made a carpet cover for my cracked dash that covers the whole thing even around the front till i can get my hands on a non cracked dash pad.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 01:51 PM
  #3  
naf's Avatar
naf
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,337
Likes: 71
From: Lexington, SC
Car: 1987 SC/1985 TA
Engine: 350/vortec/fitech
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Seen a few examples of carpet dye jobs over the years and all looked like crap, especially after some uneven fading. Don't do it. Look at Year One, they're having a sale on carpet right now.

Unfortunately, apparently not for our carpet though.

Last edited by naf; Jul 26, 2012 at 01:58 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 03:20 PM
  #4  
patricklav's Avatar
Member
10 Year Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From: Plaistow,NH
Car: 92 Camaro Z
Engine: LS 5.3 LM7
Transmission: Built TH350 with 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 4th gen, 4.10
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

i used the RIT Dye on my carpets and changed the color from grey to black. I would say they look decent. The only downside is if you will get the dye on your skin or clothes if you touch the carpet, even months later. if your putting floor mats down then you wont be touching the floors much and it shouldnt be a problem though. I will try and post some pics of my floor tonight!
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 03:23 PM
  #5  
patricklav's Avatar
Member
10 Year Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From: Plaistow,NH
Car: 92 Camaro Z
Engine: LS 5.3 LM7
Transmission: Built TH350 with 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 4th gen, 4.10
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Originally Posted by naf
Seen a few examples of carpet dye jobs over the years and all looked like crap, especially after some uneven fading. Don't do it. Look at Year One, they're having a sale on carpet right now.

Unfortunately, apparently not for our carpet though.
if you mix the dye consistently each time you can touch it up and barely notice it. The dye does blend in well with the faded areas. For $2.50 a bottle (you will probably need 4-5 of them) at Wal-Mart you cant go wrong for a low budget fix.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 11:23 PM
  #6  
Gsoleski's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Car: 1984 Z28
Engine: Vortec 350, hotcam
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

if you could post some pics that'd be great. I just figured i'd try and dye it first and see how it turns out. If it's not good then i'll get new carpet
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 11:37 PM
  #7  
BlackenedBird's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 4
From: Central Texas
Car: GTA
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Aussie 9-bolt/3.27 posi
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

What would you use to soak it in? A bathroom tub? It would take at least that size to get either piece of carpet in. I used RIT on my sunvisors a few years ago & while they dyed pretty good, they are more of a dark grey than they are black. And that was doing 1 at a time allowing to soak in a 5 gal bucket of water for about a week long each.

They are dark, but certainly not BLACK like black material would make them.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 11:48 PM
  #8  
Gsoleski's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Car: 1984 Z28
Engine: Vortec 350, hotcam
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Ya I was thinking a bathtub or a large barrel I have that's about the size of a city garbage can. That's a good point, I was wondering if it would be able to be completely black or just dark.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2012 | 11:56 PM
  #9  
BlackenedBird's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 4
From: Central Texas
Car: GTA
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Aussie 9-bolt/3.27 posi
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

I've never used this, but have heard lots of good things about it, including using it for seats & it not coming off on clothing.

Amazon Amazon
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2012 | 03:29 AM
  #10  
Arvizu9618's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix AZ
Car: 1985 IROC-Z Clone
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Rear Disc
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

I used the following right over the stock tan carpet:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Remington-...Black/15524364

looks good enough for me and hold up well

Took two rolls at about $9 ea. roll

RT
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2012 | 12:42 PM
  #11  
fyrebird68's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 172
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati, OH
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Originally Posted by BlackenedBird
What would you use to soak it in? A bathroom tub? It would take at least that size to get either piece of carpet in.

How about.............


Reply
Old Jul 27, 2012 | 12:56 PM
  #12  
patricklav's Avatar
Member
10 Year Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From: Plaistow,NH
Car: 92 Camaro Z
Engine: LS 5.3 LM7
Transmission: Built TH350 with 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 4th gen, 4.10
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Originally Posted by BlackenedBird
What would you use to soak it in? A bathroom tub? It would take at least that size to get either piece of carpet in. I used RIT on my sunvisors a few years ago & while they dyed pretty good, they are more of a dark grey than they are black. And that was doing 1 at a time allowing to soak in a 5 gal bucket of water for about a week long each.

They are dark, but certainly not BLACK like black material would make them.
No need to soak it in a tub. I sprayed it on and rubbed it in with a brush.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2012 | 12:57 PM
  #13  
BlackenedBird's Avatar
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 4
From: Central Texas
Car: GTA
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Aussie 9-bolt/3.27 posi
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Originally Posted by patricklav
No need to soak it in a tub. I sprayed it on and rubbed it in with a brush.
Never thought about doing that.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2012 | 01:00 PM
  #14  
patricklav's Avatar
Member
10 Year Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From: Plaistow,NH
Car: 92 Camaro Z
Engine: LS 5.3 LM7
Transmission: Built TH350 with 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 4th gen, 4.10
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

On our cars, there's not much exposed carpet if you have front and rear floor mats. I would invest the money in nice mats as opposed to carpet.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2012 | 01:04 PM
  #15  
patricklav's Avatar
Member
10 Year Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From: Plaistow,NH
Car: 92 Camaro Z
Engine: LS 5.3 LM7
Transmission: Built TH350 with 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 4th gen, 4.10
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Originally Posted by BlackenedBird
Never thought about doing that.
yeah , it allows you to mix it at a 3:1 ratio with water so it really darkens the material up. I applied the dye three times, each time after the previous one dried. It kept getting darker each time.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2012 | 07:15 PM
  #16  
jchaussee's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: bellingham WA
Car: 85 Z28
Engine: 327
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Problem is as stated before, it bleeds with any water on it.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2012 | 12:22 AM
  #17  
carlos64030's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 719
Likes: 55
Car: 1991 Trans Am GTA
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Man-oh-man... F-body owners are cheap as hell. I guess this is why we get stereotyped so much, because people prefer to do half-assed stuff instead of doing it the right way. Buying a new carpet set isn't expensive, ya know. Hell... at least buy a used carpet set.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2012 | 01:09 AM
  #18  
Gsoleski's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Car: 1984 Z28
Engine: Vortec 350, hotcam
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Originally Posted by carlos64030
Man-oh-man... F-body owners are cheap as hell. I guess this is why we get stereotyped so much, because people prefer to do half-assed stuff instead of doing it the right way. Buying a new carpet set isn't expensive, ya know. Hell... at least buy a used carpet set.
I go to school and dishwash part time, not everyone has money falling out of their ***. Buying new carpet isn't an easy task for me at least and I personally don't care what other people think because they will never even see the carpet.
Reply
Old Jul 28, 2012 | 02:10 AM
  #19  
carlos64030's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 719
Likes: 55
Car: 1991 Trans Am GTA
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Originally Posted by Gsoleski
I go to school and dishwash part time, not everyone has money falling out of their ***. Buying new carpet isn't an easy task for me at least and I personally don't care what other people think because they will never even see the carpet.
Gotcha. Didn't mean to offend if I did.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2013 | 03:05 PM
  #20  
NemeSS-TyranT's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 959
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Car: 02 SS
Engine: 408 TT (1108rw-93/m1)6700rpm
Transmission: TH400(slipping)
Axle/Gears: 12bolt/3.42(whines😠)
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

fixin to attempt a carpet dye.
bought 5 cans of liquid RIT dye and 4 powder boxes. basically cleaned out the local walmart. about 30$ in it.
now my rs has excellent condition carpet. i decided to try and make it work. prolly will have less than a 50$ total to dye it. i used dishwashing soap w the bleach in it. it really cleaned the carpet real good and got rid of any stains. i hooked up my water hose to my boiler and used hot water on it. all in my driveway. let it dry. i rwmoved all the insulation backing prior to washing.
getting everything ready to dye now. i alredy washed and use the vynil paint on all my plastics and they came out looking great.
also worked on my headliner.
gonna dunk the seat belts in the tub w the carpet to be dyed so they will somewhat match.
better than the stock medium gray crap that it came with.
for my panels im wrapping them in a faux suede and carbon fiber fabric.
but i will be replacing the factory "cardboard"? backing. since its bowed out. with a sheet of masonite sheet. used for paneling in construction.
still deciding on what to use for sound deadening. will prolly have about 150-200$ for basically brand new black/carbon fiber interior to my liking.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2013 | 05:31 PM
  #21  
jharrison5's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 54
From: Lincoln, NE.
Car: '87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 Vortec w/ factory TPI
Transmission: WC T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.45 Posi
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

I did this on my 88 GTA with good results. Here's what I did:
1. get all of your dye and a 1-2 gallon weed/lawn sprayer
2. lay the carpet out flat and clean it really well. (I vacuumed and power washed mine with degreaser then let it dry out completely)
3. once clean lay the carpet on a tarp so you don't dye your yard/driveway.
4. mix the dye and saturate the carpet making sure to spray it evenly, then scrub with a brush.
5. allow the carpet to dry, hose it off again, and allow to dry again.
6. repeat the process until you get your desired results.

I did this twice over the course of a week and when I was happy with the color I shampooed the carpet one last time. I have also done this on the seats and it worked there too. I never had any of the color bleed out and it didn't fade for the two years I owned the car.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2013 | 07:15 PM
  #22  
patricklav's Avatar
Member
10 Year Member
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From: Plaistow,NH
Car: 92 Camaro Z
Engine: LS 5.3 LM7
Transmission: Built TH350 with 3200 stall
Axle/Gears: 4th gen, 4.10
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Originally Posted by jharrison5
I did this on my 88 GTA with good results. Here's what I did:
1. get all of your dye and a 1-2 gallon weed/lawn sprayer
2. lay the carpet out flat and clean it really well. (I vacuumed and power washed mine with degreaser then let it dry out completely)
3. once clean lay the carpet on a tarp so you don't dye your yard/driveway.
4. mix the dye and saturate the carpet making sure to spray it evenly, then scrub with a brush.
5. allow the carpet to dry, hose it off again, and allow to dry again.
6. repeat the process until you get your desired results.

I did this twice over the course of a week and when I was happy with the color I shampooed the carpet one last time. I have also done this on the seats and it worked there too. I never had any of the color bleed out and it didn't fade for the two years I owned the car.

The above is the best way to go.

I did the same thing and cant complain about the results. Definitely get a dish scrubbing brush to help drive the dye into the bottom of the fabric of the carpet.

Oh, and a pair of rubber gloves, that's one thing I missed and had dark purple hands for a few days.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2013 | 07:32 PM
  #23  
jharrison5's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 54
From: Lincoln, NE.
Car: '87 IROC
Engine: 5.7 Vortec w/ factory TPI
Transmission: WC T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.45 Posi
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Originally Posted by patricklav
Oh, and a pair of rubber gloves, that's one thing I missed and had dark purple hands for a few days.
Ha ha I forgot to mention that! I ended up dying a pair of white sneakers in the process of doing mine lol!
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2013 | 08:21 PM
  #24  
devestator_x's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: Palm Bay, FL
Car: 2001 Camaro
Engine: 3800 Series
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: ??
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

I used SEM Color Match spray in Landeau Black when I went over my tan interior. The previous owner had already swapped the rear carpet to black and the seats are black leather from a 4th gen Trans Am. I used the spray on the headliner, the sun visors, and the carpet. I know the product description says not to use it for drastic color changes, but after 2 or 3 coats, it gave a nice even coverage.

Its a little stiff, but I was going more looks than feel. Did the whole job in a weekend. So far its been in there 4 months and nothing looks out of place. My car is a daily driver and even the vinyl parts on the drivers side do not show any signs of wear or any beige trying to poke through. Of course I have about 3/4 of a can left so i can always touch up as needed.

It does have a strong odor however, smells like the wifes nailpolish and takes a few days to go away.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2013 | 08:59 PM
  #25  
89rs454's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: USA
Car: 1989 SS
Engine: LT1+1500$ hooker exhaust
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 bogger
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

http://www.supraforums.com/forum/sho...onight-*pics*&

When i didn't have a job i followed this guys advice and so far it's looked fantastic. My carpet looks like brand new black carpet a year later. Everyone thinks i got new carpet.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2013 | 09:10 PM
  #26  
89rs454's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: USA
Car: 1989 SS
Engine: LT1+1500$ hooker exhaust
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 bogger
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Would i do it again with a good paying job, hell yes if your carpet has a few stains and just needs freshened up then do it. Just be ready to not drive your car for 2 weeks or more. you have got to soak it at least 2 weeks or more for the right results.

Wrong link, he spray canned his, i dyed mine is a 55 gallon drum for two weeks. I had a better link to do it right but now i can't find it....lol it sounds to good to be true but it does work if your carpets in good shape.

Last edited by 89rs454; Sep 28, 2013 at 09:16 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2013 | 10:59 PM
  #27  
Ron U.S.M.C.'s Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 9
From: Northern, CA
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

I believe in ingenuity because I've used a lot of it working on my car but I really think this is a pretty good deal. Especially since a lot of our carpets are worn out.
http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/pr...arpet-Set.html
or
http://www.auto-interior.com/Camaro_...rpet.htm#about

Sometimes it takes awhile but I save a little at a time to get what I want.Besides it’s like a little Christmas when it’s finally in my hands. Worth it every time.

Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; Sep 30, 2013 at 01:46 AM.
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2013 | 09:07 AM
  #28  
NowhereFast's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 653
Likes: 5
From: Long Island, NY
Car: 87 Trans Am, 99 WS6, 16 Mustang GT
Engine: LB9, LS1
Transmission: 700R4, T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi, 4.10 Posi
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2014 | 12:57 AM
  #29  
nyckid's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Originally Posted by jharrison5
I did this on my 88 GTA with good results. Here's what I did:
1. get all of your dye and a 1-2 gallon weed/lawn sprayer
2. lay the carpet out flat and clean it really well. (I vacuumed and power washed mine with degreaser then let it dry out completely)
3. once clean lay the carpet on a tarp so you don't dye your yard/driveway.
4. mix the dye and saturate the carpet making sure to spray it evenly, then scrub with a brush.
5. allow the carpet to dry, hose it off again, and allow to dry again.
6. repeat the process until you get your desired results.

I did this twice over the course of a week and when I was happy with the color I shampooed the carpet one last time. I have also done this on the seats and it worked there too. I never had any of the color bleed out and it didn't fade for the two years I owned the car.

arent you suppose to ad salt? and do you have pics
Reply
Old May 3, 2014 | 12:41 PM
  #30  
FBOMB90's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: New York
Car: 90 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 5.0 Liter
Transmission: T-5
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

If done right, it can actually work really well. I dyed a grey carpet purple for my ex-girlfriend. I washed the entire carpet ith bleach and a scrub brush, to even out the fading and the stains. I then mixed the dye in a small kiddie pool and let the carpet sit in there for two days. It is essential to clean the carpet thuroughly after the soak. If cleaned properly, the dye will not come off. That carpet was bright Barney purple for three years and never wore off. We did use floor mats though. I'm sure that helped too.
Reply
Old May 4, 2014 | 06:06 AM
  #31  
thomas1976's Avatar
Supreme Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,199
Likes: 1
From: West-Central
Car: 91 Trans am
Engine: built 360 TBI
Transmission: built 700r4
Axle/Gears: 10bolt/3.23
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

At Rockauto.com The front + rear carpet cost around 271 USD shipped.
Reply
Old May 5, 2014 | 07:28 AM
  #32  
RedLeader289's Avatar
Supreme Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,610
Likes: 156
From: Louisville, KY
Car: 1983 Z28
Engine: 385 Fastburn
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 9-bolt posi, 3.27 gears
Re: Rit Dye the carpets?

Originally Posted by Arvizu9618
I used the following right over the stock tan carpet:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Remington-...Black/15524364

looks good enough for me and hold up well

Took two rolls at about $9 ea. roll

RT
I'm in the process of doing the same myself! ha. I'm impressed with the results, I don't mean for it to last the rest of the car's life but in a few years I'll replace it with factory black carpet.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
starliner
Camaros for Sale
1
Feb 9, 2016 08:18 PM
1992Z28!
Camaros for Sale
3
Nov 19, 2015 07:33 AM
KNIGHTE
Southern California Area
6
Oct 22, 2015 09:11 PM
timbuck
Convertibles
3
Sep 28, 2015 12:31 PM
indygene
Camaros for Sale
0
Sep 26, 2015 11:21 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:03 AM.