I didn't even get close to dyeing any of my parts on Sunday, as I'd hoped to do, but I did pick up the Rit and some Krylon 1311. I opted for the powdered black dye since I've always had bad luck with liquid in the past. Still going to give it a shot, and if I don't get the desired result, I'll paint, instead.
What I did do on Sunday, with the limited time I had available, was become preoccupied with sanding. As I'd said earlier, I was hoping to lessen the appearance of the print lines in the body while leaving some of the playing-card-like texture. After a few minutes, though, it became apparent that it wouldn't be possible since the variegation of the print striations is deeper than the surface texture, itself—and so I wound up with smooth bands that were more visible than when I started.
After that, I just kept going, using a sanding sponge across the whole height to avoid getting low spots. Been at it a few minutes each night, since, and I probably now have the smoothest Peko in existence. The texture now feels a lot like the "rubberized" coating they put on eGo
batteries. I'm almost done, and I'll get some before and after pics, soon.