Replies

1. 
   KeithNewton | Apr 02, 2005 05:55am | #1

   Hey Larry, I have used Febings leather dye which is alcohol to dye wood black with good results. The only caution is to use the least amount needed. If you over-do it, it blushes white???????? Go figure. I have used other colors also, I am not sure the dye knows the difference between leather and wood. Good Luck Keith
   http://www.treetales.com

2. 
   MBL | Apr 03, 2005 05:41am | #2

   Dear Larry,

   India ink is heavy with solids. It is meant for adhering to surface, more than for penetration.

   In engineering drawings, it can be scraped off of the vellum papers. That means that a clear coat on it would have to rely on the adhesion of ink to wood, which is probably not too strong.

   Diluting it of course would lead to some penetration, but ultimately it'd be pigments on wood.

   Asides, it might be an expenssive material, compared to others. Since it's been around for milennia and not properly used to die wood, would say it is most likely not adequate for such application.

   It'd be advisable to verify the aproach on some scrap first, including the finish and some adhesion tests.

   Those are done after thorough drying of final coats with some tape over the finished surface, and a knive to cut cross-hatch patterns over the tape, and then lift the tape.

   Good luck.

   -mbl-

1. 
   KesslerCraftsman | Apr 03, 2005 04:19pm | #3

   Thanksl  An excellent, data-based, methodological recommendation.  I'll try it and post the results.  At this point I'm going to continue using Black Transtint.  I get one-coat coverage with the current dilution I'm using (2 oz to a quart...twice that recommended on the container).  If I buy it in pints or quarts, I'll get the same economy as india ink purchased locally ($22/pint).

   lp