How to Dye Roller Skate Wheels

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Rit® DyeMore for Synthetics
• Roller Skate Wheels
• Skate Bearing Tool
• Acetone
• Cotton Swab
• Rubber Gloves
• Stainless Steel Pot for Dyeing
• Dish Soap

DIRECTIONS:

1. Carefully remove wheels from skates and then remove the bearings using a Skate Bearing Tool.
2. Before dyeing, remove any designs or logos on wheels using a cotton swab soaked in acetone and pre-wash wheels in soapy water. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
3. Cover work area around stove with plastic table cover or newspaper and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.
4. Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from getting stained and to insulate them when working with hot water.
5. Due to the complexity of dyeing synthetics, you must use the stovetop method to maintain an almost boiling temperature for the duration of your dyeing (203F degrees or greater - boiling point of water is 212F).
6. Fill a stainless steel pot with enough water for the wheels to move freely, roughly 4 cups.
7. Add 1tsp of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
8. Cover pot and heat water on stove top to just below boiling (or around 203F).
9. When water begins to simmer, add 1/4 bottle of well-shaken dye and mix well. For darker colors, add 1/2 bottle of well-shaken dye.
10. Gently add clean wheels to dyebath.
11. Keep temperature at a low simmer for the duration of your dyeing.
12. Stir slowly and continuously until desired color is achieved. Keep a close eye on the dyebath as the wheels tend to dye fast due to its Nylon material (sometimes it takes only minutes).
13. When desired color is achieved, remove from dye bath and rinse in cool water until rinse water runs clear.
14. Let your wheels air dry.
15. Once your wheels are clean, reassemble your Roller Skates.