Dying rope

I have a question here. Jerome suggested painting the rope with a stain. It sounds like it works. So, why not just paint the rope on the ship or soak the rope in the bottle before rigging, using the desired color of acrylic paint?

I make all my scale model rope on a ropewalk using white threads of varying diamaters and dye them either hemp or tarred color with rit dye.

Bill

EdGrune,

Red or white onions?  Interesting , to say the least!

gawga

CGBob,

That was the basis of my original question that coffee/tea might have that effect.  My problem is at this time that the rope is assembled to the thimbles and parts so using a polish or some such isn't an option.  Since the parts are metal, I thought the dip in coffee/tea was feasible but possibly with long time effects.  What I will probably do is to dilute an acrylic paint significantly to dip the assembly in after testing the end color on another piece of twine.  Suggestions anyone?

I should have thought to ask why you want to dye white thread rather than just buy tan stuff.  Model Expo sells a good selection, and it is not real expensive, particularly compared to the price of kits these days.

An easy fix is to get a can of minwax Golden oak stain. Get the little pint can 'cause you won't need much.

 Get a fine paint brush, natural fibers are best because they hold a bit more stain. touch the paint brush to the line and the stain will just soak right in. repeat as need be. if you want it darker wait a day for it to dry and repeat again

Suppressionfire,

I appreciate what you recommend,  however that isn't an option.  My error, I should have added that my model is scratch built in 1/8"=1inch scale and an accurate 3 inch rope does not exist, so I made a  winding machine and made my own rope (it did a very nice job for me I might add).  That is why I am now trying to rectify the problem of coloring the rope post-assembly.  Thanks to all who have replied, I appreciate your input.

Try any sewing supply shop and buy the right color thread!

I  have spools in various colors and thicknesses to serve in different scales and applications. Even bought fine black & silver thread to be used as crane cables on a 1/144 scale Dora rail gun.

One trick to remember is to pass the thread over wax (ordinary candle will work) to eliminate fuzz & stray strands.

Here is thread used to tie down stowage on a Sherman. No glue warranted nor required as the tie down lugs are metal CA glued from the hull interior:

CGBob,

That was the basis of my original question that coffee/tea might have that effect.  My problem is at this time that the rope is assembled to the thimbles and parts so using a polish or some such isn't an option.  Since the parts are metal, I thought the dip in coffee/tea was feasible but possibly with long time effects.  What I will probably do is to dilute an acrylic paint significantly to dip the assembly in after testing the end color on another piece of twine.  Suggestions anyone?

I've used wood stain and Kiwi boot polish (paste type in the tin) to dye white line.    I read that the tannic acid in tea and coffee can slowly erode cotton line.

Hemp is kinda tan to light brown.

Its an old recipe among fly-tyers.

Ed,

Just out of curiosity, how did you happen to hit on onion-skins?  Most unsusal.

gawga

Has anyone tried to dye rope for a model?  I lost points on a model in a contest because the rope wasn't a "hemp" color.  The funny thing is, the windings on the end binding the thimbles are real hemp and the rope it is wound on is cotton - both the same color.  What a laugh.  First of all, what is "hemp" color generally understood to be?  Second, would a soaking in tea or coffee approximate the desired color?  Other suggestions welcomed.  By the way, this isn't rope used in a nautical setting, but I thought someone here would have a good idea to  steer me in the right direction.  Thanks.

An overnight  soak in tea would be good,  coffee may be too intense.

A trick I learned when I was tying my own fishing flies was to make a 'tea' of onion skins,  boil them up and let them cool.  Then dump in a handful of feathers and allow them to soak.   They take on a nice amber-brown color.

I usally dye my rope with and india ink solutions. I use a small pill bottle but about twenty drops of india ink in then fill the rest with denatured alcohol. I then but the rope in the bottle let it soak for ten to fifteen minutes. Take out then run it through a paper towel to wipe off the excess.Then run it through my bees wax and its done.Hope that helps.

Rod