DGFlyGirl wrote:Because I am getting a plotter, I know that I will be able to do more complex work and utilize different colors.
I also know that I have to work from darkest color to lightest color. However, my concern is that, after I pull the first pieces of vinyl and start the first color, the other cuts I have made in the vinyl will bleed. Must I cover the rest of the design while I dye each color?
If all of your image is completely cut out when you're doing your first color, the only bleeding you should get is the lines between the cuts will get each color you die. Quick example...Captain America shield. Red and blue dye on a white disc.
You cover the white star in the middle with vinyl and several of the outside rings that will be white.
Dye your blue first since it's darker. Next you need red, but you'll have to cover the blue back up because if you don't your blue is going to turn into Blue + Red. Which Im not sure what that is on the color wheel, but it could be a blood stained brownish red.
If you were doing a 2 color design with Black and any other color, it's easy. Do the black first and then your other color second. The 2nd color is going to dye over the black, which'll just make it darker. You should haven't problems with bleeds if your cut lines are all smooth and precise, and considering you pressed all the edges firmly onto the disc.
DGFlyGirl wrote:In addition, if I dye black, then blue, then yellow, will the yellow turn the blue dye green? Should I be covering or remasking in this instance as well?
Yes, this is subjective, but you will need to cover them if they are lighter colors. I've done some LSU dyes doing purple first, and then just going ahead and doing yellow on top of the purple. The purple changed a little, but it wasn't really dramatic because I left it in the pan just long enough to let the yellow absorb and show up on the disc. I didn't let the yellow absorb and be super intense, thus changing the purple too much from the original intention.
If you're talking about lighter colors (Yellows, light blues, light greens)... Then yes, remasking is the best way to preserve the intended color you're aiming for for doing a multi colored dye.
DGFlyGirl wrote:Also, I have only ever used a 'dipping' method - flipping the disc upsidown in a pot of steaming Rit, though I have seen people on here make mention of using a thicker rit mixture and painting it on. Is the color as consistent as liquid when done that way?
You can use whatever works for you. Some ppl use dye mixed with dishwashing detergent to thicken it up. I've done some hand painted dyes with acetone and straight rit before. It's a little runny, but it's controllable. Also, you have to be careful with using acetone with your mix because if it's too strong it'll start to eat at your vinyl masking for your dye outline. It'll pull the edges away from the disc and that perfect edge that your masking is preserving is compromised.
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