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Old Jun 1, 2009 | 05:37 PM
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Default 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!


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Old Jun 1, 2009 | 10:05 PM
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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.
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Old Jun 2, 2009 | 10:07 AM
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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.]
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Old Jun 2, 2009 | 10:26 AM
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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.
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Old Jun 2, 2009 | 01:15 PM
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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.
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Old Jun 4, 2009 | 08:20 PM
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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.
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Old Jun 4, 2009 | 08:56 PM
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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...

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Old Jun 5, 2009 | 12:38 AM
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Unless you are driving barefoot why do you care if the carpet has a stiff feel? Who other than you will ever know the difference?



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Old Jun 5, 2009 | 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by KapsSA
...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.
Difficulty getting down into the nap is why I've always heard not to attempt to dye carpet. You won't like the results.

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.

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