Painting technique with Old RIT

[CTRobuck]

I just got me a sweet stash of old RIT powdered dye. I have done 3 or 4 very simple 1 color dyes by floating the disc in a frying pan full of dye. I now want to move on to more detailed stuff and I want to get into the painting techniques. My question is what kind of mixture ratio do I need to get the right textures for painting.

I have heard many different things:

1. 2 tsp of powder to 1 tsp of water, mix and paint

2. make a bunch of dye then pour a little into a small container, add soap or shaving cream to thicken, then paint

Anyone out there that can confirm or let me know I am a moron, because it is so much easier than I am making it, please give me some feedback. Thanks in advance!!

[Eky8]

I will be posting pictures of my painting technique in the next day it two. But I use about 2 tsp. powder with enough liquid laundry detergent to make a thin paste. I just use cheap sun detergent which has the added benefit of being clear.

[Dadio]

Dude, sick dyes! I need to stop reading these threads, I already have enough 1/2 finished projects! :-)

[CTRobuck]

How much detergent?

[CTRobuck]

Everything I make is too runny and won't paint on well, anyone willing to go through the process of making the dye with me?

[Eky8]

Very little. Maybe 1 Tbsp. I dunno. I just pour it in until I mostly cover the powder. I use little 4 oz. ziploc cups to store my dye in. I've used a runny mix too. It works. When I first started painting on I used liquid rit and 1/2 cup liquid. But after some trial and error I prefer a thicker mix. I still use the runnier stuff though because I don't want to waste it. Especially since the dye is getting harder to find.

[Eky8]

This is what it looks like in the container.

This is painted on.

Mostly Finished.

Going to go write this up in my dying technique thread

[CTRobuck]

So powder and detergent and stir, no water no heating? I am just having so much issues trying to get it to paint on well.

BTW, I really appreciate the help

[Eky8]

Probably just patience is all that's missing. The painting technique is not fast. I know people will mix with rubbing alcohol or acetone to go faster. But I've had problems using that method so I don't personally use it.

[Dsplayname]

That's a sexy Indian, Eky.