Q&A for How to Dye Rubber

You can buy black wall paint, but you have to use painter's tape on the window and around it (anything you don't want black that is near the rubber) because you need to cover the spots you don't want painted otherwise it will stain.

For indoor items made of rubber that will not get a lot of wear and tear, use acrylic craft paint. You may need to use two coats, and be sure to let the paint dry thoroughly between coats. After the paint is completely dry, seal it. Find a paint sealer in the paint department at a craft or home improvement store. If you plan to paint an item that will remain outside, use a durable, non-toxic outdoor paint. Before starting the painting project, coat the rubber with an exterior primer to help the paint adhere, and let it dry completely. You can either brush on the paint or use spray paint.

Try using fabric dye. Start by cleaning the rubber really well so the dye will stick to it more effectively. Fill a pot with water and heat it on a low to medium stove setting so it's hot but not boiling. Add the fabric dye into the hot water and mix it thoroughly until the color is even. Place the object in the bowl and leave it to soak for up to 2 hours, then remove it from the water and rinse off the excess dye. If you want the color to be stronger, you can repeat the process 1-2 more times until you're satisfied.

Yes, you can use hair dye to dye silicone rubber. Wash your silicone thoroughly with soap and water before you get started. Mix the hair dye according to the directions in a cup or bowl. Use chemical, not natural, hair dyes for a bright and lasting color. Dip the silicone object into the dye until it's coated. Leave the object in the dye overnight so it soaks up the color, then remove it from the solution. You can then rinse off the excess dye and inspect the color. If it isn't dark enough, you can repeat the dying process. You can also try a stronger or brighter hair dye for a deeper color.

Rubber is really prone to paint chipping or flaking off, but acrylic paint is the best option for you to paint rubber for a lasting color. You can help the paint stick to the rubber by applying a layer of Mod Podge over your object before painting, which helps it stick to the rubber and prevent flaking. Apply the Mod Podge with a paint brush and let it dry for 15 minutes or so. Then, use a foam brush to apply your acrylic paint. Once you've covered the rubber object, let the paint dry for an hour. If you want the color to be stronger, apply 2-3 more coats of paint, but wait for each coat to dry before applying another one, which should take between 30 minutes to an hour. After you're finished painting the rubber object, spray some paint sealer over it to help preserve the color.