FBRs vs Dyes

[Dreamer]

What's better, a dyed pony or one with a full body repaint?

I know there will be diverse opinions, but I recently discovered fabric dye on my craftstore and I'd like to try it, because I suck at FBRs... but first I'd like to hear you. What do you use and why?

Annnd here's a wacky question... can I use food coloring on ponies? I don't plan to use it...

[Alipes]

I've never dyed a pony before, but from the research I've done it seems as though FBR is much better.  There are a couple of issues with dyes that people run into, especially splotchy/inconsistent absorption of the dye, as well as dye fading over time.  I know some people have had great success with it, and others nothing but issues.

The My Little Pony Preservation Project has a good section about pony dyeing in their body restoration section: http://www.mlppreservationproject.com/body.html

[Skeen]

I tend to have good luck with ponies I dye (but I only dye white ones right out of the packaging), and I think a nice even dye looks more natural than some FBR's.  Sometimes a FBR brings out a natural unevenness in the plastic that a dye doesn't (like small bumps or nicks).  Plus you'll never chip off any paint while rehairing a dyed pony, lol!  Dyed ponies are much less fragile than FBR's but paint comes in so many more colors. 

When I dye something I tend to let it sit around for a year or so before doing anything with it.  That doesn't make it foolproof but it does help.  After a while the color mellows a bit.  I use masking fluid over the eyes so the dye doesn't take but occasionally, especially on yellow dye for some reason, it will seep through onto lighter paint even if I seal the area before painting over it.  That's uncommon, but it can happen. 

[kaoskat]

I prefer FBR myself. Dye jobs can be amazing but they can also be tricky. I prefer FBRs because they are more reliable.

[SkyCakes]

I rather use a FBR. I am not good at dye. I only use dye on repinking. I know dye has some problems but I would rather stick with just painting.

[rosierjay]

i love dying ponies, but haven't had one come out that i was really happy with.
more control with fbr
but you can always try dyes, then fbr if it doesn't work.

[Uninu]

I prefer FBR even though it does have a chance of chipping. I have one dyed pony and the dye job hasn't stood the test of time but has become rather blotchy. Could be the dye that was used though! I would love to test which dye would be best, maybe at some point hmmm.

[sd_dreamcrystal]

Dying can be a hit or miss.
* With the G4s there is problems with the plastic in either the head or body not taking the dye and uneven dye jobs.
*There is also the issue with when you do the detail work, if there is still dye residue on the pony (even after 6 months) the dye will bleed through the paint.. though I've only seen it happen after sealing the paint.
* Dyes will also fade over time.
* Dye may bleed to other ponies. Again this I think is a residue thing but that is if the ponies are touching.
* Dye might bleed through the hair. I've not had this happen but I would think that it is possible
* Dye will make more issues known. Believe me if you are trying to cover up a problem on the pony plastic, it will show through the dye.

FBR has it's own set of issues as well.
* Dust in the paint job. This is a fact that will always happen.
* Brush Strokes can happen. This is if you are using a paint brush however Airbrushing or makeup sponges tend to clear this problem up.
* Paint might chip. This often has to do with the quality of the paint and sealer.
* Some paints yellow or fade. Again this is a paint quality thing.

One Pro for an FBR is that there is more possible color choices and shades than Dying.
As far as food coloring... no idea... I've considered using natural dyes but just no time to try it =/
There are probably more issues from both sides but I cannot think of them atm

[tikibirds]

I don't know about G4's but I have dyed G1's and it can look better then FBR unless you have an airbrush. With FBR's you can have issues with sticky paints, streaking, visible/lumpy brush strokes and I find these issues ANNOYING as hell, but I still like FBR over dye jobs. more colors and dye will fade over time