Red v Blue Dykem

stalbot

stalbot

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Sep 7, 2012
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Is there a difference in performance? I've only seen pics of people using red, but I didn't know if that was just for ease of sight. I can lay hands on the blue aerosol locally, but would have to order red.
 
I thought you had to be as good as Nick Wheeler to use the red Dykem. :) therefore, i will be using blue for the foreseeable future and beyond.

randy

ETA I use the blue brush-on and can see it fine, btw
 
I use red DyKem in an aerosol can, because it's easier to see the scribe lines. I can't tell any difference between the red and blue, as far as how well it holds up. Use whichever you prefer. The spray-cans are definitely worth ordering, because they're so easy to use, and they last for months if not years.

Incidentally, a light coat of DyKem is a great way to prevent corrosion on blades or tools that might sit around in your shop for awhile without being finished or used. If you live in a humid environment like I do, that can be an issue.
 
I use the blue, with the red I can't tell when I'm bleeding on the blade:D
Have actually used both and I like the blue better for seeing scribe lines, Must have something to do with the way your eyes pick up the light.

Stan
 
In my home shop I use blue, because it's what I have...

At the machine shop, I use red for steel and aluminum, cause it shows up better; and I use blue for brass and copper
(red metals get blue dykem, blue metals get red dykem...)

Works for me! :D


Stephen.
 
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THanks for the input, guys. I didn't know if there was something particular, besides color, that made one better than the other.
 
I think Cody hit the nail on the head. The material being worked makes a big difference as to which color shows up best.

I use both, but 84.973% of the time, I prefer the red. Just like James said, a spray can of the red will go for miles. I'm in the shop EVERY day, and an aerosol can lasts me several months, if not a year! :)

I have a crap load of the blue (like 2 gallons) and I do use it, but the red just shows up better for MY eyes.

And don't forget... a wide tip Sharpie (I like red or green) is a super handy tool for quick lay-out work! :)
 
I prefer the blue also. One thing I'll say though, if you're not in a climate controlled environment, the performance of your spray dykem (all aerosols really) may be sub-standard.

I like the more even coat, and less mess I get from the liquid for scribing center lines and such on blades. I use the spray for large layout machine or fab projects. Usually my hands are covered in blue when I use the spray.


Color I think depends on your eyes, but as mentioned, material can affect that also. I suggest getting both spray and liquid though. Also, clean the spray nozzle after you use it, or don't be surprised at the mess you make. ;)
 
I use blue brush on because I can get it locally.

I would definitely try green if it existed!
 
and more thanks! Nick, I didn't think about different colored sharpies. I have been using black, but never thought to use any other color!
 
Nick's right, the big wide sharpies work fine when you just want to mark a small area. The ink doesn't hold up nearly as well to grinding heat, and it doesn't stay in small scratches as well as proper layout fluid, but it does work. I often use it when sharpening, for instance.

I too would definitely like to see a bright green layout dye, I wasn't just being a smart-alec :p I suppose one could try a green highlighter marker? I'm not sure orange or yellow would give enough contrast.
 
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