Carpet Dye Application
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Joined: May 2009
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Carpet Dye Application
I have an 86 which was originally graphite but now has turned seafoam green/blue. The carpet is in good condition and I have found a source for the dye but I am unsure as to the best way to apply the dye. I was told that spraying could lead to overspray and be sloppy. I was also told to use a paint brush, but I am afraid it will soak in and apply unevenly.
What is the best way to do this? Thanks for your help.
What is the best way to do this? Thanks for your help.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 589
Likes: 1
From: PA
Spaying is best. Mask things off you don't want overspray on. Use tape, paper, tinfoil whatever it takes.
You can do a nice job with spraying. Just don't load the spray (paint) on too heavy. You don't want to turn the carpet into a hard surface. When it dries, brush it to stand up the fibers again, then spray another light coat on. Just take you time and you'll have a good looking carpet again.
You can do a nice job with spraying. Just don't load the spray (paint) on too heavy. You don't want to turn the carpet into a hard surface. When it dries, brush it to stand up the fibers again, then spray another light coat on. Just take you time and you'll have a good looking carpet again.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 496
Likes: 4
From: Cordova TN
Probably should have tried some cheap rit dye first. I used it to dye my 89 formula's gray carpet back to the black it was supposed to be. Worked great and I didn't have to worry about it hardening. I think I was out $5 including the cost of the plastic spray bottle.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,315
Likes: 245
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
I used a couple of cans of spray on dye, on my graphite 86. Spray on and brush it in, done. 
I took out the back pieces to spray, but I did the front with masking tape and paper. Holding up just fine, after a few years.
I'll see if I can find the can to get a name.
I took out the back pieces to spray, but I did the front with masking tape and paper. Holding up just fine, after a few years.
I'll see if I can find the can to get a name.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,315
Likes: 245
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 589
Likes: 1
From: PA
For the past 30 some years with different cars I found just good old spray paint in a can does the same job as spray can dye. Spray dye is hard to find and expensive. Mid America and the like has it, but again it's expensive $8 to $10 a can. Go to any local store, Home Depot, K mart or Wall Fart and get the best match.
When we bought our 2002 TrailBlazer for my wife the owner before had a misshap with bleach. Somehow it opened in the cargo area and beached a basketball size spot in the gray carpet. A spray can of gray primer fixed it right up and you can't tell it was ever sprayed with primer.
When we bought our 2002 TrailBlazer for my wife the owner before had a misshap with bleach. Somehow it opened in the cargo area and beached a basketball size spot in the gray carpet. A spray can of gray primer fixed it right up and you can't tell it was ever sprayed with primer.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,470
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From: levittown pa. usa Even a bad day with my `Vette, is better than a good day at work
St. Jude Donor '10
My `87 had the graphite interior & it atarted to look like crap, but was still in good shape. I just sprayed it with black Plastikote interior dye that I got at Pep Boys for like $7 a can. Looks great & should last until I can save the bucks for replacement carpet.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Wichita Kansas
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 45,000
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For the past 30 some years with different cars I found just good old spray paint in a can does the same job as spray can dye. Spray dye is hard to find and expensive. Mid America and the like has it, but again it's expensive $8 to $10 a can. Go to any local store, Home Depot, K mart or Wall Fart and get the best match.
When we bought our 2002 TrailBlazer for my wife the owner before had a misshap with bleach. Somehow it opened in the cargo area and beached a basketball size spot in the gray carpet. A spray can of gray primer fixed it right up and you can't tell it was ever sprayed with primer.
When we bought our 2002 TrailBlazer for my wife the owner before had a misshap with bleach. Somehow it opened in the cargo area and beached a basketball size spot in the gray carpet. A spray can of gray primer fixed it right up and you can't tell it was ever sprayed with primer.
I have used spray paint too. The carpet is basically plastic and the paint sticks well. Light light coats and brush ( I used an old hairbrush) after it has dried betwen coats.
