This is an interesting question. I had not heard of Dyneema before. It is a high modulus polyethylene, generically known as HMPE, and is billed as the world's strongest fiber, which is why it's used in protective clothing for fencing. Another brand of this material is called Spectra. The manufacturer claims that Dyneema is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. Unfortunately, any fiber that is resistant to water is generally going to be impossible to dye. They say, "Textiles made with Dyneema® are highly resistant to abrasion, UV light, mildew, soils and stains, detergents and chemicals. Cut resistance is unaffected by washing." Any fiber that is resistant to stains is also going to resist dye. In fact, the manufacturer specifically says, "Dyneema® is white and cannot be dyed, but can be mixed with other textiles for a stippled effect." If you ever see colored Dyneema, it will have been dyed while still in liquid form, before the fiber was extruded from the liquid plastic.

Polyester can be dyed by boiling it for half an hour or longer with a special kind of dye called disperse dye; the dyeing works better if a noxious-smelling carrier chemical is used at the same time. It cannot be dyed with any dye that works on natural fibers. You can't dye polyester with all-purpose dyes such as Rit or Tintex, nor with acid dyes, direct dyes, or reactive dyes. You can purchase disperse dye by mail order from some dye suppliers.

However, if you dye the polyester in your 50/50 blend, you will not be able to produce black. Since only 50% of the fibers will accept the dye, the darkest color you can obtain will be a medium gray. Black is not an option. You should consider dyeing your jacket only if you would like to change it to a pale color.

Some fabric paints will work to color polyester, but they will not help in this situation. Since Dyeneema is so highly resistant to chemicals, it will also tend to repel fabric paint. Fabric paint will not make a permanent color on Dyeneema.

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