Dyeing rubber

[zinduna]

Does anyone have any experience dyeing rubber? I have a blue 3KF rubber strap on a 5168 and would like to deepen the blue color to be more gen like and match the SW dial that I have installed. I have the gen 5168 strap as reference and will be able to cut segments out of the 3K strap to test on. Before I start I was hoping to get input from the community about what works and what doesn't. I'd really appreciate any help!

 

[zinduna]

I'll save anyone searching for this in the future lots of trouble. Dyeing rubber obviously does not work, haha. I tried two little offcut pieces, one in black hair dye, the other in RIT dye. I let them sit for a few hours, rinsed them and compared them to the undyed and gen. 0% dye take up

 

[WatchN3RD]

I doubt it would be to your liking but it's possible. You have to use the RIT dye specifically made for "synthetic" materials. Clean the rubber, then cook it in almost-boiling water with synthetic dye. Too much heat will ruin it, and not enough will not dye properly.
If you can cut segments out for testing, you should be able to get something you like. Obviously this only works when you're going for something darker.

 

[zinduna]

I think disappointment is in the cards if I continue. Now moving on to drilling the case to accept the gen strap I have.

Thanks for your input though.

 

[MaximillianGT]

AFAIK, rubber is dyed during moulding, which means they are dyed in liquid form. I don't believe you can do it without melting it and moulding it again. Other methods are jokes, just as spraying it with spray paint.

 

[WatchN3RD]

AFAIK, rubber is dyed during moulding, which means they are dyed in liquid form. I don't believe you can do it without melting it and moulding it again. Other methods are jokes, just as spraying it with spray paint.

There are multiple types of materials that are called "rubber," so it's hard to know. But I doubt OP would be happy with the results anyway. I've successfully done it with polyurethane, and I'm certain it's possible with some other rubbers; however, you are correct. It's usually dyed during the initial molding process.