Q:

I’m new to woodworking and to mixing dyes and finishes. When instructions say to add a very small quantity of a desired color to a finish–say, in “2% or 3% increments”–how do I calculate those small percentages when I’m mixing just a cup of stain? Do I use a teaspoon, an eye-dropper, or what?

Trevor Anderson, New York, NY

A:

When mixing a custom color, the measuring device is not as significant as the process. By using test samples, you can “sneak up” on the desired color by adding colorant “to taste.”

Transport the colorant into whatever stain you are tinting in small increments–say, 1/4 tsp. or 1/8 tsp. at a time. Then mix and test.

When you finally arrive at the correct color, write down how you got there (added two quantities of black, etc.) and then expand this formula to the final quantity and make enough for the job. Don’t forget to test that final quantity as well, just to be sure.

Photos: Charles Reina

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