How to Dye Your Skate Wheels and Bushings

Do you want purple wheels but yours are blue?Teal bushings?This instructable is for YOU!

I'm going to show you how to dye your longboard/skateboard wheels and bushings using household items,for less than $10.

Before you begin,make sure to read the whole instructable and understand the steps.If you have any questions,feel free to ask in the comments.This instructable involves a stove and hot items so parental supervision is advised for anyone under the age of 13.

Step 1: Materials and Equipment Needed

Materials
RIT dye in powder form or any other powdered cloth dye.Your local supermarket or craft store should carry it.I'm using the colour Aubergine,a weird dark shade of purple,but you don't have to.

Equipment
A stove.

A pot large enough to fit the wheels/bushings.Doesn't matter if you don't have one big enough,you can always do them one at a time.

Soap and an old toothbrush,to clean the items.

A timer or a clock

A teaspoon

Step 2: Wash

Remove the bearings from your wheels(obviously) and wash your bushings/wheels with some soap and use an old toothbrush to scrub the dirt and grime off.If you're starting with a new set,skip this set.

Step 3: Fill

Fill the pot with some water.Make sure you have enough to submerge the bushings/wheels.

Step 4: Heat and Add

Heat the water to a boil and then add the dye.

RIT recommends a 1oz packet of dye to 3 gallons or 11 liters,and use this ratio if you're dying white wheels,but I like to use a teaspoon to every liter,but that's a little much.Remember,the more dye you add,the darker whatever you're dying will turn out.

Stir to dissolve the dye.Bring the water to a simmer and NOT BOILING before adding the things in.If it begins to steam,turn off the stove.

Step 5: Wait

Set a timer for two minute intervals and check on it when the timer rings.Keep stirring to spread the dye and prevent the urethane from melting.Once desired colour is achieved,wash the item in some water.Make sure it's dry before putting it back onto your board.

Step 6: Results

Here are some pictures of the bushings I did and some wheels I did beforehand.The bushings and the wheels were both neon green at frist.They are much more purple in real life,my camera darkens it by alot.

Step 7: Variations

I have not tried any of these myself,but others have with success.

Dribble hot glue on the wheel,then dye it.The areas covered in hot glue won't be dyed,creating a pattern.(the brown wheels)

Mask off parts of the wheel with electrical tape or any other waterproof tape before dying.Same effect as above,but lines instead of swirls(the red wheels).You can also make a dual colour wheel by using a large piece of tape.

Please do leave other ideas or methods you have tried to dye wheels in the comments,and I'll add them into the i'ble.

(Note:I do not own these pictures.If you are the rightful owner and would like these pictures taken off,just tell me and I gladly will)

Step 8: Last Notes

You can only add colour,not remove it.If you dye a red wheel blue,it will turn purple,and not blue,because red+blue=purple

This does not remove or add grip if done correctly.

If you have plastic core wheels such as Abec 11 Flywheels(look em' up),the plastic won't melt,but will be dyed with the wheel.

The logo will be dyed somewhat,because it's not urethane.

The longer you dye the wheel,the deeper the dye gets into the urethane.If you did a fast dye,expect it to fade with use.

You cannot turn a translucent/tansparent wheel opaque and vice versa.If you have a clear wheel and dye it red,it will be a clear red.If you have an opaque wheel and dye that red,it will be an opaque red.

Have fun and be safe!