Odyssey113
Birdie Member
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2013
- Messages
- 348
"Nebula" Style Technique
So to the best of my knowledge, I strongly believe that this is the technique that has been used by respected disc dyers such as Wondernut and Jeff Ash (aka Brainwave Discs) to achieve the so called "nebula" style dye effects, as it has been referred to by many in the disc golf community. It is very similar to the effects you can achieve with the common shaving cream techniques but has its own unique qualities and end result. I mean no disrespect to the originators of this style of dyeing by sharing this, but I would like to share my findings of this technique whether or not it is the same technique that they are using. This may also be a technique that others are already doing so I in no way take credit for this. In fact a lot of the ideas I got to try this method out came from other fellow disc dyers and their suggestions (special thanks to bmxpunk01 and goosefraba1 for sharing ideas that led me to trying this). Here is what I am doing currently to achieve these effects.
Tools and Items needed:
1. Dye of choice ( I used a pro chemicals disperse dye for this tutorial. I am sure other dyes should work as well for doing this)
2. A plate (or something similar that has almost the same shape as the top of the disc. Mixing bowl, etc. Use your best judgement. I prefer a plate that will perfectly fit the shape of the disc so it sets nicely)
3. Dish soap or laundry detergent. ( I am still testing both of these to see what works best. So far it seems that laundry detergent mixes best with the dye for the dye mix anyways)
4. Eye dropper or something to apply your dye mix.
5. Glasses/Cups/Bowls to mix and hold your dye/detergent mixes.
6. Stirrer of some sort. (I use a chop stick)
Instructions:
Step 1 – Add a base layer of detergent or soap to the plate. I prefer to add just enough to create a little buffer between the plate and the disc. Not so much that its floating in a ton of detergent. Remember you will be adding your dye mix to this and you don't want it to become too diluted.
Step 2 – Mix a small amount of detergent in separate cups or glasses. More or less depending on how much of each color you want to use and how dark you want the final result. Add several eye droppers full of premixed liquid dye to the detergent. Gently stir until you achieve a nicely mixed detergent/dye ratio. I like mine slightly thick but still on the runny side, just not too watered down.
Repeat process for all the colors you wish to use.
Step 3 – Once you have mixed all of your dyes with detergent, begin applying them on the plate as you wish. Have fun with it. I do suggest to be careful about over mixing the colors if you want the colors to stand out on their own. They can blend very easily with this method so remember that less is more, unlike the shaving cream method where you can pretty much go to town with a toothpick or utensil and create various designs in the shaving cream, the soap/detergent allows the dye to blend very easily. When done it should like a primordial ooze
Step 4 – Very carefully place your disc in the dye mix and be careful not to move it around. Let it sit for anywhere from 8-12 hours or more depending on the shade you are trying to achieve. My first try I pulled it after 6 hours and while it came out nice, I think an extra few hours would of allowed the colors to become a little darker.
Here were my results with this one. I was quite pleased. So was Mindy
Step 5 – Experiment with these steps and share your results. We can all learn from each other and what we are doing to get better at this fun style of dyeing discs.
Step 6 - Have fun!!!
