Dyeing a Carradice Zipped Roll Black

[Thatsme]

I have a burgundy Carradice ZIpped Roll, I want to dye it black?

[Jdsk]

"Made from 100% waterproof waxed cotton duck"
https://www.carradice.co.uk/bags/saddle ... ipped-roll

Has anyone ever tried this on that sort of material without removing the wax?

Jonathan

[thirdcrank]

I've never tried it but I do know that a decent black is the hardest colour to dye a fabric with satisfactory results. That must be particularly the case with a waterproof / water-resistant fabric. Ditto any ingrained grease or muck. I fancy that after any attempted dyeing the next problem would be fixing it, to prevent a lot of dye washing out when it rained.

[Jamesh]

I would think much would depend on how old the roll was and how much wax remained on the material. You can buy dyes which might work and might set when washed alone on a high wash in a washing machine and then rewaxed??

Cheers James

[Thatsme]

It's a year old, although it is always attached to the saddle, is in excellent condition. This may not help for re dyeing it?

[thirdcrank]

I've a vague memory that at some point over the years, I decided to dye something black, bought the dye and when I'd read the instructions, decided the risk of failure wasn't worth the trouble. I'm annoyed with myself that I cannot now remember what it was I wanted to dye. I fancy it might have been a household item like curtains or upholstery where my wife's standards would have been higher than mine, for say a duck saddlebag. I've now found this that suggests it's a doddle, but gang warily and don't blame me. (I think the risk of removing the waterproofing is too great.)

https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-Fabric-Black

[Jamesh]

It's a year old, although it is always attached to the saddle, is in excellent condition. This may not help for re dyeing it?

I think that might be a hindrance?

Another thought - how about black shoe polish???

Cheers James

[Richard of York]

Silly question, but why bother?

[simonhill]

Why not ask Carradice? They are meant to be very helpful and friendly.

[Cyclewala]

Even if you manage to successfully dye it, note that black Carradice bags don't stay black for long. When they've been out for a handful of sunny day rides, they turn a browny grey due to UV light.

Might be a futile exercise.

[De Sisti]

Try swapping it for a black one, on this, or other forums.

[rogerzilla]

Yes, sell it and buy a black one. Even if you strip out the wax first (you have no hope of dyeing it unless you do that) with a hot detergent wash, you will almost certainly damage the bag, either by washing or in the dyeing process. Labels and leather bits will take the dye unevenly, based on when I've dyed jeans black.

[Tiberius]

Even if you manage to successfully dye it, note that black Carradice bags don't stay black for long. When they've been out for a handful of sunny day rides, they turn a browny grey due to UV light.

Too true, my black Carradice saddle bag is anything but black, more of an ash/white.

Does anyone know how I can dye my black bag black ??....(eh )

[De Sisti]

Too true, my black Carradice saddle bag is anything but black, more of an ash/white.
Does anyone know how I can dye my black bag black ??....(eh )

Black shoe polish.

[rogerzilla]

The black ones go a kind of khaki when they're decades old. There's a definite green tint. Reproofing makes them darker.