How to Dye Conductive Ribbon Cable 4-Conductor

Easy Steps for DYEING 1 Yard of Conductive Ribbon 4-Conductor:

1. Gather the Supplies
2. Fill a stainless steel pot with just enough water for 1 yd of ribbon to move freely (about 2 cups). Turn heat on high.
3. Add an 1/8 teaspoon of iDye Poly soluble dye packet and an 1/8 teaspoon of iDye Color Intensifier to water. Stir until dissolved.
4. Add pre-wetted ribbon and bring to a rolling boil. Maintain temperature and stir frequently for 10 minutes. For uniform color, use constant agitation with a wooden stirrer.
5. Rinse the ribbon in the sink until it washes clear.
6. Machine wash the ribbon in it's own cycle with a mild detergent and dry.

Note: Utensils and Pot for Dyeing should NOT be used for Food

For 3 Yards of Ribbon use: 1/4 Teaspoon of iDye and Intensifier, 2 1/2 Cups of Water, Stir 10 Minutes
For 6 Yards of Ribbon use: 1/2 Teaspoon of iDye and Intensifier, 3 Cups of Water, Stir 10 Minutes

• Purchase White Conductive Ribbon 4-Conductor from:
  
  • sparkfun
  • adafruit
  • R4R

Note: R4R offers continuous lengths in 1+ yards

• Find a metal pot you don't care about and will not use for food
• iDye Poly from:
  • Blick

• Wooden stirrer that you will not use for food

Note: Please make sure you buy iDye Poly which is specifically for polyester and nylon fabrics. The Conductive Ribbon 4-Conductor is a %100 polyester substrate with a silver plated nylon conductive thread.

Fill a stainless steel pot with just enough water for 1 yd of ribbon to move freely (about 2 cups). Turn heat on high.

Add an 1/8 teaspoon of iDye Poly soluble Dye Packet and an 1/8 teaspoon of iDye Color Intensifier to water. Stir until dissolved.

Add pre-wetted ribbon and bring to a rolling boil. Maintain temperature and stir frequently for 10 minutes. For uniform color, use constant agitation with a wooden stirrer.

Rinse the ribbon in the sink until it washes clear.

Machine wash the ribbon in it's own cycle with a mild detergent and dry.

Enjoy your beautiful conductive ribbon!

Comments:

1. Colorfastness: The dye color may transfer a little even after washing and drying.
2. Ironing: For a nice pressed ribbon, use the polyester setting and also a press cloth on top of the ribbon for ironing.
3. Conductivity after dyeing: The conductivity was maintained following these instructions.
4. iDye Poly: We tried other dyes but they were too corrosive on the silver plated thread and harmed the conductive properties.
5. Colors also available:
   

   http://www.dickblick.com/products/jacquard-idye-poly/?clickTracking=true&wmcp=google&wmcid=items&wmckw=01312-7000&CAWELAID=520010530000097544&catargetid=520010530000186957&cadevice={device}&gclid=CO78m5_YqLwCFWRk7AodNF0Aug

• Blue, Golden Yellow, Turquoise, Orange, Green, Pink, Kelly Green, Red, Brown, Crimson, Gun Metal, Violet, Black, Lilac, Silver Grey