New carpet dye wipes off with water

Homepro · 01-25-2017, 09:34 PM

I recently redyed the red carpet for my 911 with dye from Leatherique and now I find that the dye wipes off with a damp rag. Most of the color is still there but anything that touches the carpet will be Boxster Red. Cleaning it with carpet shampoo gets off a lot of the dye. The dye seems to be water soluble since wiping the carpet with a damp cloth results in the dye soaking immediately through the cloth.

The Leatherique man said that the dye that wipes off is normal and the dye would cure more with time (it's been a week) and that it wouldn't transfer onto clothes, but it comes off on everything else including my clothes.

At this point I am stuck with trying to clean as much as I can with the shampoo but then I will need to use something to seal in the rest. Anyone have a suggestion?

Luccia at Pelican Parts · 01-26-2017, 07:27 AM

Hmm.. most of what I have found from individuals using Leatherique, there aren't really any issues that you are having. Have you tried giving them a call to see what they say about the extended cure time that you're experiencing? Maybe some other Pelicans will chime in with some additional advice as well. Good luck.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 01-26-2017, 07:36 AM

My best guess is it's a surface prep issue. How did you clean the carpet before application? Without knowing the proper Leatherique prep directions, I would imagine a thorough cleaning with acetone would be needed for proper adhesion.

ossiblue · 01-26-2017, 08:18 AM

Is the carpet polyester or acrylic? From what I've read, nylon and wool carpet can be dyed with water based dyes, but not polyester or acrylic (and I assume a blend of those.)

Homepro · 01-27-2017, 09:34 PM

The dye instructions only listed cleaning as the preparation. I used carpet cleaner and a wet/dry vacuum. I hadn't heard about the acetone.
I too began to wonder about the carpet material and have an inquiry into Porsche to find out the carpet material. I have since read about the issue of some materials not taking dye. I have since wiped all the carpet pieces with a damp cloth three times and wiped off some of the color. The carpets are somewhat lighter but still acceptable. At this point the color that wipes off is much less. In the carpet picture, the rear has been wiped off and the front hasn't. My big concern here was the color transferring to damp clothing or shoes.
The picture shows the water after the first wiping. Oddly enough, the dye that got on the masking tape at the edges does not wipe off with water.
Leatherique has offered to send me a bottle of their "Klear Kote" to seal the surface. I'm going to try in on a small area to see what it looks like.

Uwon · Uwon's Garage

Bummer! Try spay with Vinegar and water, let set for 30 minutes, then wipe off. There is also a setting product sold in quilt stores called Retayne that may work.
Good luck.
Johan

Homepro · 02-02-2017, 10:57 AM

I have yet to receive a reply from Porsche regarding the material used in their carpet. I am assuming at this point that it is polyester or similar material that will not take the dye. Leatherique makes no mention of the product not working on some fabrics. My problem at this point is how to seal in the remaining dye so passengers do not end up with red stains. The dye fixatives that I have researched are primarily for cotton and natural material. Oddly enough, when the dye gets on clothing it doesn't wash out! Carpet cleaner takes off even more. I am curious about the other Porsche owners who have dyed their carpet, did it take? George, at Leatherique said that he would send some of their "Klear Kote" sealer. I am skeptical about how it would work but it never came anyway. I'm really interested in something to seal it in.

Jdub · 02-02-2017, 11:18 AM

Is the weather cold and/or generally wet? This is the sort of thing I do in a very hot summer environment just to be sure the dye takes and is fully dry. Don't throw it into the dryer, but consider how you might put the material into a hot environment for a spell.

Prep, as always, is everything as well. Good luck!

zedsn · 02-02-2017, 12:41 PM

Get the most off as possible and look into SEM products. They work well and Eastwood carries them. They are a carpet and vinyl dye and work well and are in an arosel can.

Uwon · Uwon's Garage

Homepro,
Ive watched my wife experimenting with dying techniques over the past couple of years so I'm borrowing from her accumulated knowledge. Natural fiber generally absorb far better than synthetics. Just like paint, dye is also affected by temperature so warmer is generally better. We are wondering if there is too much dye for the carpet too absorb. If so, dye will keep coming off forever whether it is dry, humid, or wet. A setting solution of vinegar/water or Retayne will likely set what dye can be absorbed but then you still have to wash off the excess with a good rinse not just a wipe. i would suggest taping off a test area such as low section under the seat which has a natural drain, place a large wide container under, thoroughly rinse with vinegar/water solution or Retayne, wipe off excess water and let dry. If this does not show positive results, then IMO I'm afraid that you will have to use a power sprayer in an appropriate location to get all the dye off, let dry in the sun and start all over again with a new product.
Good luck
Johan