The Echo Nine Three “Fakelite” Dye Process.

This was developed in 2015. During that time we have noted what we believe to be changes in the Rit liquid dye. Always use liquid dye for this. We have changed the original formula to compensate for these changes. The current formula in 2020 is:

5 cups of water
4 teaspoons of Rit Sunshine Orange 
2 teaspoons of Rit Lemon Yellow
1 teaspoon or Rit Cherry Red

Multiply as necessary.

In any type of a metallic pan, heat the solution to 170 degrees. Place parts in the solution for a total of 30 minutes. Check and reposition the items every 10 minutes.

This was developed around Magpul’s FDE polymer. It does work on other FDE/Tan polymers. However, there may be some variables. For instance, US PALM and Slade polymer take dye at a faster rate. So, typically only 20 minutes is required for them. This is also why we check the parts every 10 minutes.

On the much lighter “Sand” polymer colors, such as Arsenal and Magpul. The solution is different to compensate for the lack of brown tones in the base material.

5 cups of water
4 teaspoons of Rit Sunshine Orange 
2 teaspoons of Rit Lemon Yellow
1 teaspoon of Rit Cherry Red
1 teaspoon of Rit Dark Brown

If you follow these directions you will create a good median tone for Bakelite Orange. Which varied from light to dark, reddish to brownish

If your end result is a little too dark, you can boil the parts in clear water for a few minutes. To lighten them a shade or two. 

The Original 2015 formula was:

5 cups of water
4 teaspoons of Rit Sunshine Orange 
2 teaspoons of Rit Lemon Yellow
1/3 teaspoon or Rit Cherry Red

The 2015 formula now produces a color that is too brownish.