Anyone use PVC Dye?

AndrewNC · Feb 7, 2017

Saw this PVC dye called Rekhaoil. It's on eBay and claims you can dye pvc any color you'd like. Was curious if anyone has tried it?

All Mixed Up · Feb 7, 2017

I'd be concerned with it leeching something into the water, but I have no experience with it.

eatbreakfast · Feb 9, 2017

It's just dyeing the outside of the pvc, so I don't see any issues in using it.

kschweer · Feb 9, 2017

You can also make dye by adding a dye like rit to clear pvc primer. Not sure how much the one you're talking about is but the rit and primer is very cheap.

dMiles · Feb 9, 2017

Aquarium Specialty has pvc in severial colors

eatbreakfast · Feb 9, 2017

Ebay had 1oz dyes, which mix in the standard clear pvc cleaner size for $4.

AquariumSpecialty · Apr 28, 2017

I wouldn't bother with paint or dyes. Our BioTek Marine PVC is colored all the way through and it has a nice polished finish.

Here's the link...

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/parts-plumbing/pvc-parts?manufacturer=7101

hybridazn · Apr 28, 2017

I used it on a couple parts on my sump, I found it hard to apply because of running. It was a pain. I recommend just using some spray paint or buy the pvc that comes in different colors.

Paul B · Apr 28, 2017

AquariumSpecialty said:
I wouldn't bother with paint or dyes. Our BioTek Marine PVC is colored all the way through and it has a nice polished finish.

Here's the link...

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/parts-plumbing/pvc-parts?manufacturer=7101

Very nice, I am an inventor and have to remember that. Thanks

beaslbob · Apr 28, 2017

eatbreakfast said:
It's just dyeing the outside of the pvc, so I don't see any issues in using it.

unless the pvc in inside the tank. :rolleyes:

805reef · Apr 28, 2017

I've used pvc dye for a non reef related application, I also found that it was a pain to work with and not worth the time/effort. Krylon fusion is much better if you don't want to pay for the colored pvc

AquariumSpecialty · Apr 28, 2017

And there is no way it looks as good as ours. The whole point of this is to make the plumbing as professional looking as possible and the BioTek Marine PVC does this without any fuss. Not trying to argue the point, just trying to make it easy on everyone. I realize this is a DYI discussion thread but let's face it, with some DIY jobs you end up wishing you had spent a few extra bills to do it right the 1st time. We are all about doing it right the 1st time...DIRTFT :-).

beaslbob · Apr 28, 2017

yea but how can you get a shopping cart and design out you super duper pvc project by picking and placing various pvs parts? After all that's half the fun. :D

I do like the colored pvc but noticed that several necessary components not there for my HOB pvc overflow and sump plumbing.

my .02

AquariumSpecialty · Apr 28, 2017

Yep, nobody is write or wrong here...just a matter of what makes people happy. Ya'll have a nice weekend!

hybridazn · Apr 28, 2017

I used spray paint on my pvc for the plumbing on my sump, I think it turned out ok...

miyags · Apr 28, 2017

Good job, Looks Great did you use a bonding primer first. and a clear coat after?

hybridazn · Apr 28, 2017

Used plastic primer than sprayed, no clear coat

Skydvr · Apr 30, 2017

I remember a tread not to long ago about dying PVC. Someone mentioned that it does cause the PVC to swell slightly, which made the fittings difficult to slide on. They recommended either fully assembling then dying or taping off the ends where the pipe fit into the fittings. Otherwise, they were happy with the results and thought he effort/mess was worth it.

Sleepydoc · May 1, 2017

No experience, but I'm guessing that the PVC dye is essentially a color added to solvent, not unlike PVC Primer. If that's the case, I wouldn't be surprised if it made the pipe swell a bit. I wouldn't be surprised if getting an even color was a bit tricky, too. Of course PVC is cheap, so you can certainly pick some up and try it out.

If you're really concerned about looks, I'd second the advice to get colored PVC pipe (I've seen it at Aquarium Specialty and BRS. probably available other places too) Krylon fusion works as well, but has a tendency to scratch off, even if you scuff sand the surface ahead of time, IME.