I have often used hide glue sizing to obtain an even stain on wood such as pine and end grain.
I recall reading that analine dye would color the wood evenly no matter what the type wood and not darken the end grain. Well this proved wrong on a test piece of pine. It blotched and the dove tails were several shades darker.
So I tried appling the hide glue, 2parts water and one glue, let it dry 24 hours and lightly sanded it with 220. Knowing that a water based coloring agent might not be too friendly with the glue I wiped on a coat. The dove tails were dark and the glue held up for a little while but one last rub and it started to “grab” the rag.
So, will Minwax wood condtioner work? Or should I leave the dye for other applications?
Jerry
Replies
Jerry - glu-size, whether hide glue or water soluable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), works well with alcohol and solvent reduced dyes. Unfortunately, the water in water-reduced dyes is the solvent for glu-size and it's not compatible as you've learned. When working with water-reduced dyes, use a different washcoat to partially pre-seal the wood; either shellac thinned to a 1/2 pound cut or a waterborn finish thinned 50%. Either of these will work well as a washcoat with water-reduced dye.
All you need to do is avoid having the dye dissolve your washcoat.
Paul
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