Dyeing a POTA Urko tunic

[Paddy Fitz]

I have an extra POTA Urko tunic -- I'm looking to dye the "leather" parts black, or as close as I can get to it. Any advice on what type of dye to use, how to avoid dyeing the cloth without having to take the whole thing apart, etc.?

What exactly is that material, anyway? Vinyl?

[David Lee]

Hey...
Yes it is indeed heat pressed/fused vinyl on the tunic. If it were I , I would carefully mask/tape off the arms/neck (anywhere you don't want painted) to ensure no overspray and then use Duplicolor Fabric and Vinyl Spray, it can be found at most Auto Parts places ( I always find it at O'reilly). It is the absolute best, and comes in both flat or gloss, and cost between $5-7 depending on the place.

-Dave

[Paddy Fitz]

I did some reading about vinyl dyes/paint, and will give that a shot -- thanks! I'd probably spray it into a cup and apply with a brush/q-tip rather than spray the tunic directly, though.

Do you have any comments about the stability/longevity of this method? Will the dye migrate to the cloth or the figure's body eventually?

[David Lee]

I did some reading about vinyl dyes/paint, and will give that a shot -- thanks! I'd probably spray it into a cup and apply with a brush/q-tip rather than spray the tunic directly, though.

Do you have any comments about the stability/longevity of this method? Will the dye migrate to the cloth or the figure's body eventually?

In all the boots and parts I have done I have never had a bleed off from vinyl paint, dye itself is another story.... you should be good to go.

-Dave

[apes3978]

Make it easy on yourself... Just get a nice black Sharpie (or similar permanent marker)... They work fine...

I have an extra POTA Urko tunic -- I'm looking to dye the "leather" parts black, or as close as I can get to it.

[Paddy Fitz]

Make it easy on yourself... Just get a nice black Sharpie (or similar permanent marker)... They work fine...

I considered that, but I'm afraid it might fade/turn purple after a while, as Sharpies often do. Do you happen to have any pics of pieces you used this method on?

[apes3978]

Sorry no pictures, I don't have a camera... But look at it this way, if it fades/turns purple as you fear it might, you can easily go over it again to touch it up...

I considered that, but I'm afraid it might fade/turn purple after a while, as Sharpies often do. Do you happen to have any pics of pieces you used this method on?

[English Paul]

Here is one that I used vinyl spray on (tunic and helmet). The finish is really good. It came from a vintage car restoration website. I also used black ink to dye the purple a bit darker as regular dye wouldn't take.

[Paddy Fitz]

That looks great -- it's exactly what I'm going for. Thanks for posting.

Did you use a brush to apply the vinyl spray, or did you spray it directly on the tunic?

[English Paul]

That looks great -- it's exactly what I'm going for. Thanks for posting.

Did you use a brush to apply the vinyl spray, or did you spray it directly on the tunic?

I just masked the material sections of the sleeves and sprayed away. Same with helmet - I just masked off the face and sprayed the rest.

[jessica]

He looks really good in those colors!

[David Lee]

I just masked the material sections of the sleeves and sprayed away. Same with helmet - I just masked off the face and sprayed the rest.

[brent 1701]

i would spray in 2or 3 thin coats iv used vinyl dye for yeas in the different cars i've restored ithink it would do what you want also if you dont waht a hi gloss do this use the gloss let allmost dry then mist a lite spray of flat

[Boywonder0]

Yeah, Yeah! Just like David Lee said...

[Paddy Fitz]

Yeah, Yeah! Just like David Lee said...

Didn't mean to give the impression I was discounting David's advice -- I was just dazzled by the pic!