Replies

1. 
   Pondfish | Oct 29, 2006 02:43pm | #1

   Nothing may get the dye to penetrate completely, but soaking the strips will get as much dye in them as will be possible. You could heat the dye to speed up the process.

   Don't sand above 220 before applying the dye; maple can burnish at higher grits, where essentially you are sealing off the pores. I'd be tempted to sand up to 150/180, then dye, then smooth at 220. You'll see how well the dye penetrated when you smooth the strips.

   As always when doing a new finish procedure, test it out on scrap, first.

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
1. 
   jigsawjohn | Oct 30, 2006 02:02am | #2

   Thanks Pondfish

   Would you recomend a water base or alcohol?JigSawJohn

1. 
   Pondfish | Oct 30, 2006 03:08am | #3

   I have no reason to suggest one over the other.  Since you will be sanding lightly after dyeing, an NGR dye doesn't seem to be critical.  If you soak the strips, a water based dye will be easier and more economical.  maybe go for best color and light fastness?Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005

2. 
   user-211435 | Oct 30, 2006 05:37pm | #4

   Another option might be to use dyed veneer, if you can make it work for your project.

   Certainly Wood, in New York has wood that is dyed through.  I have never used black, but the red I bought was outstanding.

   Hal

   http://www.rivercitywoodworks.com

    

1. 
   jigsawjohn | Oct 30, 2006 10:21pm | #5

   Yes Hal that's great. I tried to find veneer before tried to die.JigSawJohn

1. 
   user-211435 | Oct 31, 2006 06:41am | #6

   John,

   The problem is that I don't see how you can dye the maple through and through.

   I use leather dye when I want something really black, and even that will not penetrate into maple very far.  I have never tried soaking it though.  I would assume that if you soaked it long enough, and had enough dye to compensate for the rapid evaporation, you might be able to make this work.

   Soft maple might do it, if you can get the really white, really soft, soft white maple (there are actually two species that I know of that are sold as Eastern Soft Maple).

   Hal

1. 
   jigsawjohn | Nov 01, 2006 05:10am | #7

   Thanks Hal

   I plan to order vernier form collector's Specialty and solve the problem that wayJigSawJohn

1. 
   user-211435 | Nov 01, 2006 06:52am | #8

   I haven't heard of that.  What are you talking about?

   Hal

2. 
   jigsawjohn | Nov 01, 2006 03:45pm | #9

   They offer red and black died vernier, so rather then die it myself I'am going to try them.JigSawJohn

3. 
   SteveSchoene | Nov 01, 2006 04:46pm | #10

   I think he is meaning to suggest the use of commercially dyed veneer.  The commercial products are dyed through and through--probably with pressure or the like.