Dyeing trigger joysticks

[PCC]

I got a couple of those $1.60 PC Raider joysticks from Computer Geeks to play around with.  One of the things that I didn't like about the sticks was the color.  I was talking to an old RC hobbyist, and he said that I could dye plastic parts.  Sounded weird, but the worst case scenario was that I'd ruin a $1.60 joystick.

I boiled a couple of quarts of water, poured the water in a metal pail, added the plastic parts, and then stirred in a package of black Rit

[ITrek]

I thought about doing this myself but I was afraid that excess dye would come off on my hands while playing.  Please let us know if this happens.

[PCC]

You just rinse the excess dye off with water.  You can rub the dyed sticks and nothing comes off.

[PCC]

I just found these instructions at ritdye.com:

Rit Dye is manufactured and guaranteed primarily for tinting and dyeing washable textile fabrics. It is, however, effective for coloring many types of vinyl or plastic articles, such as jewelry (simulated pearls), buttons, rivets, and eyeglass frames, etc.

Instructions:
Make a concentrated dye solution in a stainless steel or glass container. Dissolve 1 package Rit powder dye in 1 pint (2 cups) hot water (or use 1/2 cup Rit liquid dye) and then mix with 1 quart hot water (140

[Brax]

VERY cool to know. Thanks for the info!

Too bad there isn't translucent dye to change the colour of my translucent sticks! hehe

[Wienerdog]

Actually Brax, you may be able to dye your translucent parts.  The key would be to only leave it in the dye for a short time.  You wouldn't be able to change the color very much though.  For instance, if you are starting the translucent blue, a red dye for a short time would probably turn the stick purple.  

I thought about doing this before.  I did this with my old RC10 in '85.  I used red dye on white nylon parts, but I left them in too long.  The parts came out burgandy.  You can put the parts back in if you don't get enough color, but you can't get the color out once it is in!

[Brax]

hmmmmmmmmmmmm, green might be cool, I was thinking of going with a Galaga type theme..... I may have to break out the yellow dye and give it a whirl.

[PCC]

Brax, post some pictures if you give it a try.  I'd love to see green translucent sticks, especially with green LEDs or some glow wire in them.

[Generic Eric]

Wonder if this would help some of those dingy looking trackballs you see on ebay?