looking to freshen up the front black carpet for dads 65 convertible. its a little sun faded but other then that still in good shape. figure using carpet dye would be better then repro carpet. First how many cans to do just the front. Second whats the best way to prep it. and its out of the car if that helps.

 

I tried the dye on my faded black carpet with limited results. Instead, I used black carpet paint and it worked great. One thing though - the stuff really stinks so I suggest wearing a respirator.

$.02 deposited
Greg

 

I would think 2 cans of the spray dye would be more than enough for the front, and 1 may do most of it. My dark blue carpet needed some touch-up and I used less than half a can on quite a few areas. All the prep I did was to vacuum really well. What I found that helped most, was to spray a light coat, then take an old brush and rough the carpet back up between coats. That kept the fibers from getting clumped by the spray. I was amazed how much better it looked when finished.

 

I used a Black liquid purchased from a auto detailing site, and applied with a pump sprayer, it came out GREAT, not stiff and rough to the touch. I still have a bottle of it packed away if you need more info I can dig it out.

 

Keith,
I have had good results with Rit clothing dye, you sponge it on, and doesn't make carpet stiff.

 

I've used it too - too much and the carpet will be stiff so go easy on the product AND WEAR GLOVES.

 

I've had good results with Rit dye as well, I removed the badly faded front carpet from my '66 a short while back, dyed it in a LARGE tub with hot water and the recommended amount of dye. Used a product called Retayne as a finishing rinse to "lock in" the dye to the carpet. Looks great, and I expect it to last many years. It was not as quick and easy as spraying the carpet, but the end results are much more satisfying to me, I've done both in past years. Spray tends to stiffen the carpet in my opinion.

 

I did the same with a similar water based black dye....on my 65 I used a common spray bottle and a wide large paint brush that I had laying around.. Worked very well for my entire rear coupe carpet.....actually sprayed and Brushed twice letting dry first.....

 

I was wondering about this exact topic. Much of the interior in my car has been replaced but I think the carpet may be original. It's dark blue in the shaded areas but has faded to a brown color where the sun shines with the top down.

I was thinking I need to pull out the old carpet and replace it but this sounds like a much better option.

 

If you've already got it out, or in the case of some posters to the thread, gonna take it out, you've already got 3/4 of the battle won in my opinion. Also in my opinion, to do it properly you need to wash and clean the carpet in a big tub of hot soapy water, thoroughly rinse to remove all the dirt and accumulated stains/coatings that may be on and in the pile, and then proceed to dye in a tub of hot water in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations of the dye you select. As I recall, I used a couple of bottles of black Rit dye available from the local Walmart. Directions on the bottle tell you how much to use per gallon of water, also as I recall.

My Mom used to do this job in her washing machine, no problem with the dye staining the machine as I recall, but I didn't have the nerve to try it on my wife's machine, I used a large plastic tub on the deck of the house. Put a plastic tarp under the tub and let it lap into the yard so as not to get any on the deck. After dyeing and rinsing per package instructions, I also used a product by the brand name of Retayne that is supposed to help set the dye into the fabric and resist sun and weather fading. I think the recommendations for the use of this product came from the Rit homepage of recommendations for use of their product, don't remember for sure. A lot of info available on the web, however. I thought if I was gonna go to the trouble of doing it, I wanted it done properly and to hopefully last.

There has been no rub-off problem after dyeing, as I recall you actually thoroughly rinse the carpet with clear water after dyeing to remove any loose or otherwise dye that might stain clothing. Whatever, it's working in my case, perfectly satisfied with the results.

Again, my opinion . . . . .

 

I also used Rit dye. Applied it with a big sponge and worked it in with a brush.

Pretty easy job and you can do it with the carpet in the car. I removed the seats but that’s all.

Steve

 

I might try dyeing it in the car if I didn't want to go to the trouble of removing and reinstalling it, but in the OP's case it's already out of the car. In this case, no question in my mind that I'd vat dye it, just as was done with the original carpet. At this point to me it'd be much simpler and wind up with a much better job.

 

I agree, Ron. That’s what I’d do, too. My comment was for others who may be thinking of tackling this job and who haven’t removed their carpeting.

Steve

 

Get a couple cans (rattle) of regular black spray paint and spray it on. When it's dry, hit it with a stiff brush then vacuum it good. Works great! You can use a hair trimmer and cut off all the tall strands too. Looks like new when your done..

 

Sounds good!

 

Yes, if you could just tell me the name, I will get some.

Thanks

 

Where did you get that idea? It's still installed in the car! That's the whole idea of dying it. If it was out already, I would replace it.

 

Years ago after I had a few bucks I made a non-negotiable rule for myself. Thou shall not voluntarily eat mediocre food nor dwell in low budget lodging. I've just added another. Thou shall not spray-paint carpets in thy vintage Corvette.

Dan

 

As soon as I get a few bucks, I’m going to adopt those rules <LOL>.

Steve

 

No spray, only liquid.