Thanks for getting back so quickly to me with your responce to my first questions on staining oak, I do have a few more questions about staining…. I did reply in my old questions, and maybe you didn’t get it, so will ask in a new topic…
You said you use a gel stain over the dye. Could a regular oil stain also be used?
You said you use a water soluable dye. What are the advantages of a water soluable dye vs an alchohol soluable dye? The only disadvantage I have read about water soluable dyes is in the extra step of wetting the wood and letting it dry to raise the grain before sanding it. Is one more UV stable than the other?
Thanks. Jim
Replies
Jim,
Sorry the second part got by me.
You can use any type of oil stain, gel or wiping, over a dye.
Personally I love water dyes. I can mix them to any strength I want. I often here that they are hard to use because you need to raise the grain.
After I get done my first sanding, I have to clean the dust prior to moving to the next grit. I then dampen the wood. You can use a heat gun or hair dryer and in a few minutes you can re-sand. Simple.
I also have heard some have a problem getting an even color on a large surface. Truly, it is simple. When doing a large surface and it seems like you have a streak; just get the area wet well with the dye and it all blends. I have a feeling those who are having problems are working with it too dry. Be generous with it's application. Another benefit is it will never muddy a grain because it is transparent.
An alcohol dye is best applied by spray on a larger surface. Because it dries so quickly it will streak significantly if not applied well. On smaller surfaces it is not as much of a problem.
When a dye is under a stain there is no concern about it's UV resistance.
Peter
Hi Peter,
Thanks again for all the good information. I just ordered a selection of Trans Tint dyes from Rockler. I really look forward to experimenting with them. They claim they can be used with water or alcohol, so they can be added to a finish such as shelac as a toner or used as a water based dye. That seemed to make them more versatile than the others I looked at which were strictly water based. Thanks. Jim
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