Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Mar 08, 2008 07:09pm | #1

   The answer is: it depends.  If you are shooting for an even monochrome color mix the liquids.  You can achieve special effects by applying one color, applying a light wash coat partial seal, and then using a second dye.  Emphasize light, since once really sealed dye would just sit on the surface waiting to bleed into the next coating in the schedule. 

2. 
   Paul_Snyder | Mar 08, 2008 07:20pm | #2

   Hi Scott,

   The quick answer to your question is... if you're trying to match an existing stain, it's best to get as close as possible with a single color. Intermixing existing colors to get the match is a good way to accomplish this.

   But there are other considerations that come to mind. The first is whether or not a dye, like Behlens Solarlux, is the right choice. Dyes and pigmented stains can be the same color but look very different on the same species of wood. Was the color you're matching produced with a dye, pigmented stain, or a layerd technique (combining dye, stain, glaze, and/or toner)? The second consideration I thought of is what species of wood are you working with? You may have to deal with blotching, depending on the type of wood. Along with the wood species, how dark is the color you're matching?

   Paul
   http://www.finishwiz.com

1. 
   pita | Mar 09, 2008 06:30pm | #3

   Paul,

   Thanks, I have know idea how the stain was applied.  The units I'm making are out of White Oak (customer choice), the color sample is on a piece of pine and I have easy access to Solurlox.

   Thanks - Scott

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Mar 09, 2008 07:06pm | #4

   Oak is nice to work with when it comes to staining Scott. As long as you wet each surface quickly and evenly, and then wipe the excess, the coloring comes out as uniformly as any wood. When using a pigmented stain the pores come out darker and are highlighted (less obvious with light colored stains) and when using a dye, like Solarlux, the pores can come out light colored and look a bit odd.The simplest way to proceed is to do samples. Once you feel confident you have a good color match, do a large sample from start to finish to see how it looks.Minwax penetrating stains do a nice job on oak and are widely available at hardware, home center, and paint stores and are an alternative to the dye (they contain pigment and oil-bse dye). Applying dye evenly can be a little tricky if you haven't had practice. It dries faster than oil-base wiping stains so you have to work a little faster.
   Paul
   http://www.finishwiz.com