This article is part of Disc Tree's mini-series on Disc Dye, where we delve into different techniques for personalizing your discs. In this guide, we'll take you through the process step by step.
Spin-dye is a fun and different way to paint your discs, where you can create round patterns on your disc. The spin-dye method does not require many materials, however, there are a few special things that you need to use to get started.
Materials you will need:
- Turntable or turntable: To spin the disc.
- Acetone Dye: For the spin-dye method, you need to prepare your dye/paint. Read more in our introductory guide on how to prepare your dye via the link here.
- Cotton swab or paintbrush: To paint on the disc while it is spinning.
- Gloves: To take care of your hands and protect against dye
- Kitchen roll, old tea towel or towel: For drying hands and disc after washing.
How to dye your disc with the spin-dye method
Step 1: Preparing the disc
To start with, you need to wash your disc. Here, you just give it a wash with warm water and dish soap. Use either a soft sponge or your hands. A dishwashing brush can scratch your disc, so be careful using one.
Both brand new and used discs need a spin. Used discs need to be washed to remove any dirt and new discs may have some silicone residue from the molding process that can affect your results.
Step 2: Setting up your workstation
Before you proceed, it's a good idea to cover the surface you're working on very well with newspapers, an old towel, an oilcloth, or something else.
Step 3: Place your disc on the turntable
To start with, you need to have the disc you want to color centered on your turntable, the more carefully you do this the better results you will get in the end.
There are various devices available to help you position your disc perfectly, which you can find online. These can either be purchased or you can 3D print them yourself if you have access to a 3D printer. You can also just place your disc directly on the player and adjust it a little until it is centered.
If your disc is not deep enough (e.g. many distance drivers) and hits the center pin of the player, you can use a putter underneath the disc you want to paint. This trick can also be used if you want to spin-dye the back of your disc or the underside of the disc's rim.
Step 4: Consider removing the stamp on the disc
Before we get to the actual spin-dye process, there is an important consideration to make regarding any stamp on the disc you want to paint. Since we are using an acetone-based paint, the acetone may dissolve the stamp on the disc when it comes into contact with the stamp.
You can therefore consider whether you should either use a disc with a stamp on the underside, or whether you should remove the entire stamp on the disc first. You can read more about how to remove the stamp on the disc in our introduction to disc dye guide.
Step 5: Make your spin dye
Once your disc is centered on the turntable, you are ready to begin. You can either start from the center of the disc or from the edge of the disc, whichever you prefer.
Dip your cotton swab or brush in the color and gently place it on the rotating disc. It may be a good idea to let it drip off before moving across the disc as a drop can ruin your pattern. You may need to dip it several times before you achieve the desired color saturation on the disc.
Remember that you should of course change the swab every time you change color, and possibly have some kitchen roll or newspaper to put the used swabs on so you can reuse them for the same color.
During your spin-dye, you can also choose to shift your disc and thus your pattern by placing the disc slightly to one side and thus creating effects.
When you are finished and satisfied with your pattern, simply let the disc dry for half an hour and it is ready to use.
Below you can see the result from our dye in this guide.
Closing and cleaning
Whether spin-dye is your primary method, it can also be used to create a nice finish on the bottom of discs with a different dye on the top side.
Remember to take care of the environment and dispose of excess paint and glue responsibly. Enjoy.
We hope you can use this guide and we would love to share the results of your project with a tag on social media. The guide has been created in collaboration with Troels Ellehammer, who runs disc.dye.dk on Instagram. On his Instagram page you can find even more pictures and get inspired for your next project. Enjoy your next spin-dye project.
If you need white discs for your next DIY project or polyester dye, you'll find it all right here on the website. We also have a large selection of colored discs for inspiration.