[balloon-makers] Load Tape Color

[Jonathan Wolfe]

Good tip, Paul! 
I like to custom dye the load tapes to blend in with the tiedyed panels
on my balloons. The technique I use ensures total dyefastness so
bleeding onto the fabric is not an issue for me. But if you're getting
dyed tapes from someone else, definitely check to make sure that
bleeding won't be a problem! And Kasey if you'd like to custom dye your
tapes green, I'd be happy to show you how...

-Jonathan  Wolfe, Ph.D.
http://www.SkyDyes.net


private e-mail address wrote:

  
  
  <font id="role_document" color="#000000" face="Eras Medium ITC"
 size="3">
  Except for the color contrast for inspection, load tape color is
really an aesthetic decision for each builder.  
   
  However there is one major concern when using colored load
tapes.  That is dye/color fastness.  I have seen a few very
disappointed balloon builders whose black load tapes (and thread in a
couple of cases) bled terrible when the balloon got wet.  
   
  Always check the dye-fastness/compatibility of your components
BEFORE construction (and preferable before you buy a bunch of
webbing).  Take small pieces of all colors of your balloon fabric and
some of your webbing.  Wad it up tightly with rubber bands, and toss it
in a bucket of hot (not scalding) water.  Let is sit for a day or two. 
When you unwrap it, there shouldn't be any color transfer from fabric
to fabric or fabric to webbing or vice versa.  If there is...builder
beware!
   
  --Paul Stumpf
   
  <font family="SANSSERIF" ptsize="12" face="Eras Medium ITC"
 lang="0" size="3">Stumpf Balloons
2926 Andover-Weston Rd.
Andover, VT 05143
(802) 875-1600
  www.stumpfballoons.com
  <font family="SANSSERIF" ptsize="12" color="#ff0000"
 face="Eras Medium ITC" lang="0" size="3">Be forgiving of others.
Be grateful for what you have.
Be optimistic.