dying stuff with Rit liquid dye

[mowman24]

So say I have ground walnut shells I want to dye black for ballast, how much liquid Rit should I use to how much water??

 

[santafewillie]

I would mix according to package instructions, although in a much smaller batch, and then try it. Since you're going for black, if it's too light you can add a little more dye and try again.
I followed the package instructions 40 years ago when dying sawdust green for grass, before the days when I could afford ground foam.

 

[Snowman]

I'll opine you might better off soaking those bits in India Ink.

You might also try soaking first in some sort of primer than will be receptive to ink or dye: Perhaps "Kilz" brand clear?

And in any case, Willie is right: Experiment before you commit if at all possible.

 

[dave1905]

In the January 2016 Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine (free on line) they suggest using various sands for ballast (sized by scale and type of ballast). They put the sand into a plastic bag and then add liquid RIT dye straight into the bag. Depending on the quantity they use a few drops to get the colors they want.

Here is a link to the article:

Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine

mrhpub.com

Here is a link to the discussion forum on the article:

Make your own ballast

📷 Read this issue! Please post any comments or questions you have here.

forum.mrhmag.com

 

[mowman24]

To continue my ballast questions I am still unsure of what color would be best for my ate steam era (late 40s ) that I still remember, and I seem to remember the ballast was mostly black/cinders. But that seems to be hard to make, and I am WAY to tight to buy ready made. Any more suggestions?
Besides use brown walnut shells or. chick grit, if I can find it