Replies

1. 
   stantheman | Apr 19, 2021 02:09pm | #1

   No. Can't think of a reason why you would. It would change the color, unless thats what you'd want. Note that some dyes (like transtint) are soluble in both water and alcohol, so shellac might re-activate dye if you're still planning on doing that for a seal coat. Test first.

2. 
   bilyo | Apr 19, 2021 02:23pm | #2

   My experience is limited, but I have had the best results using Transtint with water. Dissolved in alcohol, it dries too quickly and getting even distribution is difficult (some folks spray it on and fast drying is a good thing then). Dissolved in water, you have time to move it around and get an even coating. After it dries, I seal it with Seal Coat shellac before applying a WB finish. I don't try to remove any raised grain until after the shellac is dry. As Stantheman said, a WB finish may reactivate the dye and smear it. Of course, shellac may also reactivate it, but I spray it on and, this way, it works OK. Using an oil based finish may not be a problem, but I still like to "lock in" the dye first.

3. 
   Cayman | Apr 19, 2021 04:59pm | #3

   As I recently noted on a similar thread here I have had excellent luck with water based aniline dye on quarter sawn white oak followed by oil based stain.

   In my case I am trying to mimic a fumed look. The dye pops the grain and creates an odd greenish cast. It would not be suitable for a finished look without an appropriate stain. The greenish cast disappears when the stain is applied.

4. 
   Kerluke | Apr 20, 2021 03:50am | #4

   A stain is a mixture of dyes that give a contrast to the different components of a tissue on a microscopic slide while a dye is a chemical reagent that highlights a specific entity in the sample. The main difference between stain and dye is the role of each solution in histology staining.

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1. 
   john_c2 | Apr 20, 2021 10:43am | #5

   That's true in the scientific world, but it does not apply at all in woodworking. Stain refers to something else entirely.

5. 
   DRBWWing | Apr 20, 2021 11:27am | #6

   John is correct. Actually a wood stain is a suspension of pigments, IOW "dirt". Very much different than a dye and also penetration is much different than a dye.

   Dyes are both water based and alcohol based. Can be purchased either way, or you can buy the dye in powder or liquid for and dissolve in either one.