How to dye disc golf discs with shaving cream

Q: What kind of dye do you use for disc golf discs?

What is the best disc golf dye? Ive tried a number of dyes including Rit Dye and Indigo but I prefer iDye Poly above all others. Fishing lure worm dye is also a good choice if youre trying to achieve bright or neon colors. Make sure youre using Poly otherwise it will be difficult to get the dye to hold.

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ARIA Updates
Step-by-Step Instructions
What kind of dye do you use for disc golf discs?
How long does it take lotion to dye discs?

ARIA Updates

May 27, 2021

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By ARIA's resident disc dyeing expert, Yan Yan

Using shaving cream to dye discs is one of the easiest and most cost efficient methods for dyeing discs, making it a great first step for beginners looking to get into disc dyeing.

Using shaving cream is as easy as spraying a pile of shaving cream into your dyeing receptacle (I like to use an ultimate frisbee or “lid” but a disposable pie tin works just as well) and then sprinkling the desired dye colors onto the shaving cream in the design you want. Note that with this method, a little goes a long way, so be careful sprinkling your dye. I like to put a little on a Q-tip and tap the Q-tip over the shaving cream mound to lightly sprinkle the dye into the design I want.

Once you have set up your shaving cream “bed” you are ready to lightly press your disc into the pile of shaving cream. Push down in the center first to avoid air bubbles, and then gently press the rest of the disc down lightly until the shaving cream crests the edge of the discs. Be careful not to push it all the way down to the lid, or the dye can start to pool and the colors can get muddy. This method of dyeing typically creates a burst effect, but if you want to add a swirly effect, try giving your disc a 45º to 90º spin after pressing it into the cream. Let the disc sit in shaving cream bed for 8–24 hours before rinsing.

Various other methods of dyeing exist and new ones are being discovered every day. Try out the Spin Dyeing Method or the Lotion Dyeing Method to create some different awesome effects. Experiment and have fun because that’s what its all about!

Share your creations with us! Tag us @ariadiscs and use the hashtag #MadeToDye.

Follow Yan Yan on instagram @yanyan_discgolf.

Create a mound of shaving cream the size of half a softball. Make it as smooth as possible.
Sprinkle iDye powder on the mound. A little goes a long way. Use a Qtip to get a little powder, hold it 18” about the mound and tap very lightly. When it looks like this picture you’re done: https://imgur.com/gallery/lMRllNU even less than that is good. Too much ruins it.
Carefully place the disc on top of the mound. Let it sink naturally the first inch while keeping it steady so it doesn’t move side to side at all.
Leave it alone for 6-10 hours. Do this in a place where it won’t get bumped.

The shaving foam dye technique is by far the simplest and easiest dye technique there is. It is the process of transferring dye onto a disc using shaving foam cream.

Everything you need to know is explained below in detail. We recommend you take the time to view the tutorial video as well and please consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel.

Step-by-Step Instructions

12 easy steps on how to dye your own disc using the shaving foam dye technique. Hopefully you will find the video above, the step by step instructions and the tips helpful to make your discs look amazing. It would be amazing if you would share a photo of your disc with us using the hashtag #DyeYourOwnDisc and tag @LondonDiscGolfCommunity.

Step 1. Start by adding the shaving foam to your mixing bowl, one container of 200ml will be enough for one disc and one colour dye. Add water and mix together. Keep stirring until you get a milkshake like texture. Feel free to add more water if need be.

Tip: When it comes to adding water to the mixture; Less-is-more. Use two shaving foam cans for multi colour designs.

Step 2. Transfer the shaving foam mixture to the pie tin.

Tip: An ultimate disc or a ceramic kitchen plate can be used instead of a pie tin.

Step 3. Scrape off any excess shaving foam back into your mixing bowl, you’ll need this later. Make sure to get a smooth surface.

Tip: Use a ruler or something with a flat hard edge to level the shaving foam.

Step 4. Transfer the remaining shaving foam to the glass jar until it is three quarters full.

Tips: Disposable cups can also be used instead of a glass jar.

Step 5. You can either sprinkle or pour the dye into to the glass jar, remember to add a little water. Stir for 5 minutes until the mixture is an even colour. For stronger more vivid colours, add more dye and water if required.

Step 6. Use the syringe to suck up the dye mixture. Start in the middle of the pie tin, this will be used as reference later.

Tip: Practice sucking the dye and ejecting it back into the glass jar before creating your design.

Step 7. Create your design.

Tip: Make sure you have a rough idea of what you want to design before you begin.

Step 8. Use the toothpick to accentuate your design. Use a disposable paper towel to wipe off any foam from the toothpick to prevent cross contamination.

Tip: Start from the centre and pull outwards or vice versa start from the edge and drag the toothpick carefully inwards.

Step 9. Clean and dry your disc.

Tip: It’s important to remove any dust or dirt on the disc before placing it into the shaving foam as this may effect the outcome of your design.

Step 10. Use your thumbs to lift the disc. Place the disc in the middle of your design. As you can see, the disc sank into the pie pan, which is expected.

Tip: Lay some newspaper down to prevent dye spilling. Make sure to find a flat surface and place the pie tin on it, this will prevent the disc from sliding to one side.

Step 11. Use your thumbs to gently pull the disc straight out. You may find the disc gets a little stuck so be extra careful.

Tip: If the disc gets really stuck, it is recommended to have someone to help you pull the disc out gently.

Step 12. Rinse the disc under warm water, this will help the dye set better.

Thank you for watching the video and following the step by step instructions on how you dye your own disc. Please share a photo of your disc on social media and tag London Disc Golf Community, we would love to share your amazing stories. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #DyeYourOwnDisc.

Purchase Blank Discs Here

What kind of dye do you use for disc golf discs?

What is the best disc golf dye? I've tried a number of dyes including Rit Dye and Indigo but I prefer iDye Poly above all others. Fishing lure worm dye is also a good choice if you're trying to achieve bright or neon colors. Make sure you're using Poly otherwise it will be difficult to get the dye to hold.

How long does it take lotion to dye discs?

Push down in the center first to avoid air bubbles, and then gently press the rest of the disc down. Let the disc sit for 24–48 hours before pulling and rinsing.