Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | Apr 12, 2021 12:22pm | #1

   I've only used the Lockwood, and pretty much only on figured maple. Works great.

   I tried alcohol soluble just once, and never would again. Seemed impossible to avoid streaks. I only use water based, and I have to raise the grain first.

2. 
   user-7022764 | Apr 12, 2021 02:04pm | #2

   Trans Tint is great. Raising the grain first can be a good idea on some woods.

3. 
   bilyo | Apr 12, 2021 02:11pm | #3

   My experience with dyes is limited and I have only used Transtint. My experience is similar to John's. When dissolved in alcohol, it dries too fast and it is difficult to blend. If using alcohol, I think it is best to spray it. I have gotten best results when dissolved in water. Either way, I think it is best to apply a spray coat of sealer before starting with what ever finish you choose; particularly if your finish is either water or alcohol based.

4. 
   Cayman | Apr 12, 2021 08:44pm | #4

   I have used an aniline dye from Lee Valley on quarter sawn white oak several times. The dye colour was Fumed Oak or Fumed Light Oak.

   Loved the look. Water based, no smell and no mess. It gives the oak a greenish cast that disappears when followed with a stain (in my case oil based stain).

   Really makes the grain pop. I highly recommend.

5. 
   woodstock16 | Apr 13, 2021 08:08pm | #5

   Thanks everyone. I will pre stain and then use water dissolved Trans Tint. I am using this on spalted maple. Toothless - I am not sure why you would follow dying with stain. Can you elaborate?

6. 
   Cayman | Apr 13, 2021 10:47pm | #6

   Woodstock16 (were you there?) the aniline dye is not meant as a stain, its purpose is to pop the grain. The stain is to colour the wood, the same as you would by fuming. I find stain alone sometimes leaves the project a bit lacking. Dye, especially on quarter sawn white oak makes the wood magical.

   Personal choice, but I would try it on some scrap. The dye comes in powder form, is cheap and will last forever.

   Being water-based it will raise the grain so I give it a quick light sending before applying the stain.

   Attached is an Arts & Crafts QS white oak ottoman I made as described above.

   
1. 
   woodstock16 | Apr 14, 2021 01:58am | #7

   Yes I was there. I was one month shy of 17. Told my parents that I was going camping with friends, which I did pretty often. I did not lie. ;-) Just never mentioned that it was ~400,000 friends. Actually, everyone talks about how surprised they were at the number of people that showed up. But it really was amazing. A sea of people getting along.

1. 
   woodstock16 | Apr 14, 2021 01:59am | #8

   toothless and everyone else thanks for the help.