RIT Dyed G10 scales

[Paradiddle]

I've got a Spyderco Urban with a FG G10 scales. I do like the green but it seems a bit light and visible for discreet carry sometimes. And I do like blue and indigo

So I got some denim blue RIT dye off ebay and experimented with it a bit. I thought the relatively light colour of the green would be a nice base for RIT dyeing. Before the dyeing, I disassembled the knife and scrubbed it with a toothbrush and warm soapy water. I didn't want the dirt to get dyed instead of the scales then the colour to come off in the future.

I read that G10 is quite hard to dye because the material is resistant to chemicals, etc. I thought it would require long, continuous dyeing in very hot RIT mixture. However, I didn't really want to use one of my cooking pots in case it ends up dyeing it or my food blue in the future. So I opted to use a disposable plastic container and very hot water.

I initially used 1/3 of the package and just enough boiled water to cover the scales. Left this for about 45 mins and washed it. It was still pretty close to the original colour with a slight hint of the blue. Horror of horrors...

I then microwaved the RIT mixture until it was hot again and put the scales back in. After another wait, there was a subtle difference but still quite similar.

So I resorted to scrubbing the scales again (with a bit of fine sandpaper as well) then using another 1/3 of the package. This time I put the scales in the container first, outer side up. I sprinkled the RIT powder directly on them and the rest around the scales. Then I put just enough hot water to cover the scales again. I also found out that by shaking the container from side to side, the undissolved powder would settle on the scales. I left this for half a day (though I think it didn't make a difference once the dye was cold).

Here are the photos of the end results:




Mind you, I think there was too much light. The colour is a bit darker in real life.

There was also an area near the pivot on one of the scales where the dye stuck much better. Not sure why this happened. But if I knew it would've helped with the whole process.


The side of the scales:


Another shot:


And my favourite photo:


Though slightly disappointed, I think I've quite happy with the overall result. Perhaps if that patchy bit wasn't there I'd be more pleased.


Has anyone else had any experience in dyeing G10 scales with RIT dye? What's your method? And please put up photos of the results if you have them.

Thanks