We all know that acrylic is a versatile thermoplastic used for making a wide range of items such as retail displays, plinths, signage and also in craft projects. The ability of this material to mould into different shapes and sizes allows for manufacture of bespoke creations. There are plenty of firms who specialise in fabrication of acrylic such as Plexiglass or Perspex in Sydney.
Acrylic may need to be dyed for a number of purposes, perhaps to decorate a creation or enhance the aesthetic appeal of a display. Imparting a specific shade to any acrylic item is quite easy simply by using fabric dye. Given below is a step-by-step description of the technique:
Things Required :
- Granulated fabric dye
- Plastic spoon
- Hot water
- Rubber gloves
- Bowl
- Dish soap
- Tongs
- Pot
- Paper towels
Procedure:
- The pot taken should be larger than the acrylic item, because the latter will stay submerged in the former. However, it must not be too big to ensure convenience.
- Next, the pot will need to be filled with water and then set on top of a stove. The burner must stay at medium setting to prevent overheating. The person will now have to put on rubber gloves.
- The packet containing powdered dye must be poured out into the pot of boiling water entirely. The individual conducting the procedure will have to stir the water until the dye dissolves in it properly.
- The pot should be allowed to heat up till small dye bubbles start forming on the surface. The pieces of acrylic must be immersed into the dye water solution with the help of tongs, and then left for about 10 minutes or longer for obtaining a richer shade. The colour formed on the acrylic pieces can be checked occasionally by lifting them up with the tongs.
- During the time that the acrylic is getting dyed, a warm soapy solution must be prepared and kept aside in the bowl. Once the desired amount of colour on the pieces have been achieved, the stove should be turned off in order to lift them out from the pot and place in the soapy solution.
- Finally, each of the dyed pieces will have to be held under cold water and then laid down on paper towels to dry.
The above mentioned procedure is only to dye acrylic items for simple projects. If the purpose is creation of colourful displays for a retail store (for example), purchasing tinted Perspex or Plexiglass would be a better option.
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