carpet dye experience anyone?

[Adam P. Brodeur]

This can easily be done, especially with black.  It's possibly the easiest
color of all.  I used to dye carpets all the time when I did recon at the
dealership I worked for and still do on my own vehicles and when I have some
severe recon jobs.  I use SEM interior paint, which is actually made to
paint plastic components such as interior trim parts.  This works very well
on carpets though.

To get the best results, remove the seats from the car.  Usually there are
only a few bolts.  This is worth the effort because you can do a more even
job and don't have to worry about getting overspray on the seats.  Second,
vacuum the carpet thoroughly and then shampoo.   Don't use the spray on
stuff in the can.  I have a professional grade carpet shampoo, but there are
many things that work well.  A bottle of Resolve carpet cleaner mixed with
Simple Green until very sudsy will work well.  Don't be afraid to put plenty
of suds in the car and scrub with a stiff brush.  Then, vacuum out all the
suds with a wet/dry vac.  Make sure it's a good one with plenty of power.  I
suggest at least a 5 or 6HP.  Repeat the process 2 or three times if the
carpets are really dirty.  Lastly, let the car sit with the windows down for
a few days or at least until the carpets are absolutely dry.  Dye the
carpets in many coats.  Let sit for a minute or so and then use a brand new
or clean brush, such as what you would use to scrub the kitchen floor and
work the paint into the knap of the carpet to ensure good coverage.  Put on
as many coats as it takes to make it look good.  (Usually 2 or 3).

Eventually, the carpets will become faded, especially if you live in New
England where there is lots of snow, ice and salt that makes its way to the
interior.  Keeping the car vacuumed often and not letting sand and debree
collect will help keep your interior at its best.  Good luck with your
project and feel free to ask for any other tips.

Adam P. Brodeur
1984 4KSQ
1990 2CTQ

-----Original Message-----
From: quattro-admin at audifans.com [mailto:quattro-admin at audifans.com]On
Behalf Of DeWitt Harrison
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2001 7:27 PM
To: quattro at audifans.com
Subject: carpet dye experience anyone?


Still on an interior decoration binge here.  Black is a relative thing.
My carpet is starting to look more like very dark brown and I'd like
to nudge it back toward really really black. Has anyone attempted
to re-dye their carpet in situ? Or does this fall into the category of
"do not try this at home" ? Thanks,

DeWitt Harrison
88 5kcstq