Is spirit based tint for timber suitable for dyeing rigging

[jgplarnold]

I have read a few threads on staining/dyeing rigging (rope) but not seen one on this.

Just wondering if spirit based (methylated spirit cleanup) stain for timber ok to use to dye rigging (rope). If so should it be thinned with methylated spirit and how long should it be immersed in the solution.

Thanks

 

[Jaager]

No experimental data, but for natural fibers:  linen and cotton  -   an alcohol dye solution should work as well as an aqueous dye. 

It should be as dyed as it is going to be - just as soon as it has soaked in - that is fairly close to immediately.

A continuous pulley set up  -  feed spool - down to a pulley in the alcohol solution - back up to a take up reel - would probably work for a long rope.

 

For man-made synthetic polymer line,  my guess is that it might not take at all.

Edited January 20, 2023 by Jaager

[jgplarnold]

Thanks NRG. At this time I only need to color short lengths to be made into a few 'hanks' for hanging from the belaying pins. Stain before or after creating the hanks?

FYI I gave up building a Billings Bluenose 1:100 as when I finished the hull my eyes just aren't up to threading deadeyes etc so I bought a made display model and just want to add my own 'finishing touches' to add to the realism.

[Roger Pellett]

The last model that I rigged was my 1:32 scale scratch built Longboat.  I rigged it with linen “ hard twisted Cuttyhunk”  line bought many years ago from Model Shipways.  I first tried dying it with cold water fabric dye.  I (thought) that I carefully followed Rob Napier’s excellent directions in his book about restoring a historic Dutch East Indiaman Model.  He used Cuttyhunk linen line too.  After drying the dyed line all of the dye wiped off.

 

Frustrated, I grabbed a bottle of Feibig leather dye.  It worked perfectly.  I believe that this is similar to the spirit based dyes that you are asking about.

 

Roger 

[Gregory]

Feibig is alcohol based, and I have used it successfully on polyester  line..  I would think using it before making the hanks would be best.

Edited February 5, 2023 by Gregory

[Jaager]

18 hours ago, Roger Pellett said:

 I first tried dying it with cold water fabric dye.

I have been singularly focused on aniline wood dyes.  Until recently, I have been stuck on the deeper penetration of the water base dye.  Now, I am thinking that at model scale, the difference between alcohol and water depth  is insignificant.  Alcohol as fewer side effects - mostly being faster and not effecting the grain.

 

Rite type fabric dyes probably have to include colorfast - laundry effects.  Not a factor with a model.

 

The careless slang confusion between what a wood dye actually is and a wood stain actually is can result in failure if the wrong agent is used.