carpet dye?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
carpet dye?
My carpet in my 72 is rather new and in great shape but I am changing the interior color back to the factory correct black. Currently it is saddle and I am wondering where everyone has previously bought their dye to use? Any special advice or procedures on doing this? thanks so much!
Sully
Sully
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
I haver not used dye to change carpet colors so maybe someone else can step in that has done that and offer more advice.
I have re-dyed carpets to the original color using SEM brand dyes. They are available in spray cans. The only downside is the carpet pile is a little stiff afterwards. I have also used RIT fabric dye with good luck too, in fact the results came out as good as with the SEM and the carpet was not as stiff.
I got the SEM Dye from a local fabric and naugahide wholesale distribitor, the RIT dye from the local supermarket.
I have re-dyed carpets to the original color using SEM brand dyes. They are available in spray cans. The only downside is the carpet pile is a little stiff afterwards. I have also used RIT fabric dye with good luck too, in fact the results came out as good as with the SEM and the carpet was not as stiff.
I got the SEM Dye from a local fabric and naugahide wholesale distribitor, the RIT dye from the local supermarket.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
There are folks that have used RIT [fabric] dye, but the instructions on the box state that it is not intended for use on polyester (plastic) materials. Nylon is a polyester material.
For the trouble you are going to in changing your interior, spend the extra buck$ and do it right. You'll be glad you did. [SEM vinyl dyes are great for the vinyl/plastic interior pieces.]
For the trouble you are going to in changing your interior, spend the extra buck$ and do it right. You'll be glad you did. [SEM vinyl dyes are great for the vinyl/plastic interior pieces.]
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,976
Likes: 6,202
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Given that carpet just isnt that expensive and your current carpet is in good shape, you would be much happier buying a new carpet set and selling your old one.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,364
Likes: 221
From: Beecher Illinois
I've successfully re dyed a stained portion of my front carpet, the SAME COLOR.
Used the SEM brand. It's stated right on the can not for color change.
Took a bit of effort to get the color deep into the nap, I can only imagine how hard it would be to totally change color.
Buy new like suggested.
Used the SEM brand. It's stated right on the can not for color change.
Took a bit of effort to get the color deep into the nap, I can only imagine how hard it would be to totally change color.
Buy new like suggested.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Spanaway WA
I'm in the same boat. My current carpet is a dark brown and I've been wanting to change to black. New carpet is close to $500. I used carpet paint a few years back in my cargo area and it did look nice but had that stiff feel. After numerous cleanings and vacuumings the black is now fading and the original color is peeking through. Just did a buch of googling on this topic and most say you can dye nylon and natural fibers such as wool but not polyester, polypropylene, and acrylic. So, just wondering what is automotive carpeting made of??? BTW, mine is an 84. Don't know if carpets have changed much over the years.
Also, used the SEM paints when I re-did my door panels and center console. Came out great and still look new 4 years later.
Also, used the SEM paints when I re-did my door panels and center console. Came out great and still look new 4 years later.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Dyed my '72 dark saddle carpeting about 6 years ago down here in FLORIDA, SUNSHINE STATE convertible with top down almost ALWAYS.....finally it got a yellow again, so stuck a water heater full of HOT water in a 32 gallon bucket and dippity doo the rugs again...nice dark brown....so I have done it TWICE with RIT dye out of the store....it works, just do it....about 2-3 hour's work and ten bux, beats the ~250 bux for new rugs...
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Spring for new carpet in the color you want. You can probably sell what you have and recover some of the expense.
SEM is terrific on everything else.
