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Brand New Carpet---$5.95!
Topic Started: Feb 14 2011, 10:09 AM (1,724 Views)
BR549
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Well, at least it got your attention!

I have used this method before, but slightly changed my technique this time. Sorry, no pictures (I'm still a bit computer illiterate).

If your carpet is faded, stained or just plain nasty it can be given a nice facelift cheaply. I did the 94 last week and love the results. Mine looked as if something had been growing in the back seat area! Several stains, and a waxy/greasy build up.

First step after removal was pressure washing. You can take it to the car wash if you dont have you own. While still wet, using a brush and laundry detergent with a bit of bleach I scrubbed it (while laying flat). Then hung it up and rinsed.

To restore the color, I got two bottles of RIT dye from WalMart. They didn't have gray so I mixed black and navy. I mixed that in a gallon of hot water, then used a pressure sprayer (old windex bottle is fine) to coat the entire capet. After a day or so of drying, hit it with the shop vac and put it back in. While it is a bit darker now, it looks nearly new!

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mcmancuso
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do you rinse out the dye at any point? if not you'll pick it up on any damp fabric that touches the carpet, and if you spill water it will probably leave a light colored spot behind. I didn't think the RIT was rated for poly materials, there are synthetic dyes available that would dye it much more permanently than RIT will. Good technique, but wrong dye :)
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rmcelwee
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They make carpet dye in the rattle can (looks like black spray paint). I have used it on black Miata seats many times. It leaves the fabric with a slightly rough feeling (like a burlap sack or something).
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BR549
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rmcelwee
Feb 14 2011, 05:31 PM
They make carpet dye in the rattle can (looks like black spray paint). I have used it on black Miata seats many times. It leaves the fabric with a slightly rough feeling (like a burlap sack or something).
I have used that, as well as SEM mixes and just don't like the finish they leave.

While RIT may not be "the" best product, it does work to enhace color. The final vaccuum does pull off most of what ain't stuck to good, and I don't put anything wet on the carpet anyway!

While the RIT bottle does say it works with polyester and acrylic blends, it has a disclaimer that states "not for use with 100% polyester" that doesn't mean it won't work, just that they won't warranty it to work! It also says on the bottle to be careful cause the stuff will stain plastic!

I tried to get my chemist friend at the textile plant to bring me whatever they use (large textile mecca in this part of GA) he is the one who told me to use the RIT! Has worked well in others I have done, I just used to dip, or sponge.

Anyway, I'm out nearly 6 bucks, I'm happy.
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

BR549
Feb 14 2011, 07:26 PM
While the RIT bottle does say it works with polyester and acrylic blends, it has a disclaimer that states "not for use with 100% polyester" that doesn't mean it won't work, just that they won't warranty it to work! It also says on the bottle to be careful cause the stuff will stain plastic!
Good thinking, BR549. :thumb

I like both ideas for coloring, as a summer project. :lol Only I don't plan on touching my car carpet much, as I know what it comes in contact with. :'(
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Car Nut
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Mar Hyde used to make some really good rattle can dye for fabric & plastic. Didn't leave that rough feel behind. Best stuff I ever used but can't find it anymore.
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rjsdotorg
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BR549
Feb 14 2011, 07:26 PM
rmcelwee
Feb 14 2011, 05:31 PM

While the RIT bottle does say it works with polyester and acrylic blends, it has a disclaimer that states "not for use with 100% polyester" that doesn't mean it won't work, just that they won't warranty it to work! It also says on the bottle to be careful cause the stuff will stain plastic!
I used Rit dye on the 94 carpet. My understanding is that US auto carpet is almost all Nylon now, some were nylon/rayon blends up to the 80s.
Here is a LOT of dye info.

The potential downside of Rit is that it is a combo-dye for natural or synthetic, and is not as colorfast as the best. Rit says to use vinegar (acid) in the mix when dying nylons, it helps open up the fiber pores.
See also http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/aboutdyes.shtml

I'll scrub with wet towels in a few days and finish with Scotchguard.

Before cleaning:
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it looked worse after, but had no oils etc. I used Folex and a power washer.

After:
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it actually loks better than the pic does.

I also tested the Duplicolor upholstery spray. It is not like a paint - much thinner. It does soak in, especially if brushed well. Leaves a slight stiff feel.
Edited by rjsdotorg, Oct 8 2012, 10:00 PM.
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