A process for tinting a molded article is disclosed. The process entails applying by spraying or by flow coating a hot, dye-solution onto at least a portion of the surface of a molded article to obtain a tinted article and washing the tinted article. In addition to the dissolved dye, the dye solution that is substantially free of particulate matter contains an aqueous solution of a carrier and an optional emulsifier. The article is one molded of a thermoplastic molding composition. In an embodiment of the invention, the dye solution is prepared by filtering a hot aqueous solution through a bag filter that contains a dye to obtain a hot, dye-solution. In a further embodiment, activated carbon is used to purify the dye solution to obtain a dye-free aqueous solution.