I'm planning a kitbash from an RiD Prime, and I was wondering if there's any way to dye/remove color from translucent plastic.  can anybody help me out?  even a "it's not possible" would be appreciated.

Don't you mean transparent?

 

j/k:  you should be able to dye it different colors, but removing it is impossible (unless it's actually colorless and has been painted - such as Alt Prowls nightstick.).

hrm...

 

how do I dye it?  can I do it for less than $5?

You can try RIT fabric dye.  Of course the only problem with dyeing colored plastic is your gonna end up with a color thats a mix of the dye and the original plastic color.

 

I tend to jsut use the dye, but some people find adding a little acetone to it helps it soak in better.  Be careful with that though as acetone plus heat can be dangerous.

Or you could buy clear styrene at a hobby shop and just replace it.

Out of curiosity, which parts of RID Prime are you thinking of changing the color?

The only clear parts that I can think of on RiD Prime is the windows of the truck....

The only clear parts that I can think of on RiD Prime is the windows of the truck....

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bingo.  they're blue, and I want them red.

 

the clear styrene that was mentioned: how easy is it to work with?  I'm a pretty underfunded operation.

the clear styrene that was mentioned: how easy is it to work with?  I'm a pretty underfunded operation.

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As long as you measure and cut correctly, you shouldn't run into too many problems. Don't superglue it, though, or you'll fog it up.

dying it will cost you all of $1.

 

1. As usual, disassemble your figure. Separate the plastic parts you plan to dye.

2. Note: You can ONLY dye parts to a darker color than their current color. In other words, white can be dyed to any color, yellow can only be dyed down to orange (with red dye) or green (with blue dye). You can use a color wheel (a google image search for “color wheel� will give you plenty) to figure out which colors blend down to other colors.

3. Set up a pot of water. Add the RIT dye and Acetone while the water is cold. Heat the water to approximately 150-170 degrees. It would be a good idea to test-dye some piece of plastic with the same plastic strength as your transformer part before you begin the dying process; hot water can bend/melt plastic.

4. Using your tongs, clasps or part on a string, dip the part into the mixture for 3-5 SECONDS MAX. Leave the part in for any longer and the part will begin to warp.

5. Let the parts cool down. Wearing a set of rubber gloves, rinse the parts off a few times in order to get any dye water out of cracks and crevices.

6. In my opinion, it’s probably best to let the parts sit for an hour or so, if for no other reason then to let the dye “come to rest� within the plastic parts. (Insane Galvatron says you can begin re-assembling as soon as the parts are dry, I’m adding this step as a cautionary measure.)

7. Re-assemble.