3 replies to this topic

[Tomcat]

I have a newer (2011 model) all white Zen. I'd like to trace a design on it and then color the design in. What would permanently color the material, that wouldn't run when exposed to moisture, that also wouldn't change the flight properties of the kite.

Sharpie markers seem like an easy choice, and are available in almost every color, but might bleed and seep.... I just don't want to do irreversible damage. Anyone have any insight???

[REVflyer]

Icarex is pretty tough fabric to stick anything on it,... ever notice how you've never seen air-brushed color on kites that aren't made of nylon?

harold ames uses acid etch dyes (tie-dyed) and an autoclave to steam/pressure set the color on Ixy. 240 degrees & two atmospheres

A sharpie pen will draw on it, but it's color is floating on the polycarbonate coating. You need it pushed thru and permanently affixed to those fibers

[REVflyer]

Tomcat, send me a personal email if you want KiteSquid's address. He's a detail-oriented kind of guy and can give you the total formula and a materials list if you want to try this colorization method. I've flown this no-sew, single skinned product over 3 thousand hours without failure. The dying process is painfully slow and dare I say potentially dangerous (significant respirator, goggles, gloves) but it is absolutely permanent, the photo doesn't do it justice! These knockoffs are what we flew before Revolution made an excellent low wind kite commercially available to the lazy kite building community. There are a whole bunch of retired Pfaff sewing machine owners in the DC metro area since Bazzer and Shook came on board with custom pros, Zen and masterpieces.

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[Tomcat]

We should stay in touch. I have a buddy living in Germantown near Great Seneca and Metheny. We come up to see him occaisionally. Kitesquid????........ Is he retired or active duty? I'm a retired C.P.O. (MAC) I don't want to blow up my house, I ust want to add some color to a white kite. I'm intrigued though.... email: jwdenni@cox.net Let me know.


Jim

Tomcat, send me a personal email if you want KiteSquid's address. He's a detail-oriented kind of guy and can give you the total formula and a materials list if you want to try this colorization method. I've flown this no-sew, single skinned product over 3 thousand hours without failure. The dying process is painfully slow and dare I say potentially dangerous (significant respirator, goggles, gloves) but it is absolutely permanent, the photo doesn't do it justice! These knockoffs are what we flew before Revolution made an excellent low wind kite commercially available to the lazy kite building community. There are a whole bunch of retired Pfaff sewing machine owners in the DC metro area since Bazzer and Shook came on board with custom pros, Zen and masterpieces.