Artistic Disc Golf Disc Dyeing Techniques and Tips

The Art of Disc Golf Disc Dyeing

As an avid disc golfer, I'm always looking for ways to express my love for the sport. Recently, I learned about disc dyeing from my friend G who got me into disc golf in the first place. Disc dyeing allows you to customize the look of your discs with vibrant colors and designs.

Why Dye Your Own Discs?

Dyeing your own discs allows you to add a personal touch and flair. No two dyed discs look exactly alike, making each one unique. It's also more affordable than buying expensive custom discs. And it's fun! Disc dyeing is creative and relaxing.

Disc Golf Dye Materials

Dyeing discs is fairly simple if you have the right materials. First, you need blank discs without any stamps or logos. Discraft Ultrastars or Innova DX plastic works well. Next, you need dye. Most people use idye Poly or ProChem dyes. You'll also need materials like acetone, vinyl gloves, foam brushes, contact paper or stencils, and glue if making a glue bed.

Dyeing Techniques for Discs

There are a several popular techniques to dye discs:

• Glue bed - Apply glue in a design and lay dye powders or worms over it
• Lotion bed - Smear lotion on disc and lay dye over it
• Spin dye - Add drops of dye to a spinning disc
• Shaving cream bed - Create swirl designs in shaving cream
• Stencil - Cut out designs in contact paper

Within each method there is room for creativity in layering colors and perfecting designs. The more you experiment, the more unique results you'll get!

My First Dyed Disc

For my first dyed disc, I used a simple glue bed technique. I smeared Elmer's glue over the disc in a spiral pattern then laid red, yellow, and orange dye powders over the glue. After letting it sit for a day, I washed off the glue and excess dye. I was thrilled with the vibrant spiral design!

Tips for Disc Golf Disc Dyeing

Through trial and error, I've picked up some useful tips for dyeing quality discs:

• Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area
• Use acetone for cleaning and preparing discs
• Mix dye powders ahead in separate cups
• Apply dye generously for vibrant colors
• Let discs sit for 12-24 hours before washing
• Heat set the disc after washing for durability

Taking the time to prepare your materials, protect your work area, and following technique guidelines will result in eye catching dyed discs!

Throwing Dyed Discs

So why go through the effort of dyeing discs? For me, throwing a disc I dyed myself makes playing disc golf even more fun. My custom discs stand out in the grass and get lots of compliments. The extra flair gives me confidence on the course. And each unique design is a badge of creativity.

I always have a few dyed discs in my disc golf bag. My go-to is my blue and orange Innova Boss. The colors pop against the green grass. I also have a purple Discraft Heat decorated with neon worm dye for glow rounds. And my latest project is a stunning red and yellow Axiom Mayhem.

I don't keep many secrets on the disc golf course, so I'm always happy to teach friends about disc dyeing. Having your own set of custom discs is extremely gratifying. Next time you play a round, take a close look at the discs in players' bags. You'll likely spot some sweet dyed discs getting thrown!

FAQs

What type of discs work best for dyeing?

Base plastic discs like Innova DX or Discraft Ultrastar work best as they readily absorb dye. Stay away from premium plastics.

What dyes should I use?

Idye Poly and ProChem are the most popular dyes for disc golf discs. They create vibrant, lasting colors.

How long does it take to dye a disc?

Plan on letting your disc sit for 12-24 hours after applying dye for the best color saturation.

Will the dye come off when throwing dyed discs?

The dye sets into the plastic and lasts through many throws if properly heat set after washing.

Can I dye discs different colors?

Yes, you can layer colors, blend them in the glue or lotion bed, or dye opposite sides different colors.