February 8, 201214 yr I have been working on these frames for church made out of Beech and the finishing process has been frustrating. Even with a doing a couple of thinned coats of stain I still had issues with color variations. I played around using some trans tint dye from Rockler mixed in with some clear finish and sprayed on and it helped greatly to even out the coloring. But I ended up with some darker sections due to my spraying technique. So while I trust myself spraying clear finish as I can get away with a little heavy-handedness, I am not trusting myself with tinted spray finish. So now it is on to plan "B" and trying to use the trans tint dye for coloring instead of stain and then spraying a top coat of clear finish.So I know I can mix it with water or denatured alcohol, is one better than the other? Also how about application? I have used stain forever and am used to the "wipe on/let soak/wipe off" process, but is this different when using dye?Allen WorshamCorona, CAallenworsham@earthlink.nethttp://www.awcreationsandwoodcrafts.com'Graze in every man's field, but always give your own milk' J. Vernon McGee
February 8, 201214 yr I used a powdered water soluble Aniline dye from Lee Valley to darken QSWO to look like fumed oak. It worked well on the oak. DYES I used water soluble because it's supposed to not fade in sunlight. So far, it hasn't.Application is easy. Sand to final grit, dampen to raise the grain, let it dry, re-sand, dust, apply dye with a clean cloth. Never used the alcohol soluble stuff.Should mention that it looks a little different on white oak ply. Gene'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton
February 9, 201214 yr And to add, when you wipe on the dye Allen it may appear blotchy at first, do not, and I repeat do not go over it again! It leaves streaks if you do. The bitchiness will disappear as the dye dries into the wood. Gene uses a clean cloth to apply his dye, I have had great luck with a sponge. Either way is good.John MorrisThe Patriot WoodworkerProud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops
February 9, 201214 yr Those painting sponges would be a lot less messy, for sure. I never remember to wear gloves. Gene'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton
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