Wikipedia links
Dyes versus Stains?
- We see dyes as colouring agents going into solution
- We see stains as colouring agents - e.g. pigments - going into suspension
Altering the colour of wooden objects has an ancient heritage. Over the millennia numerous products and agents have been employed as wood dyes. The invention in the mid 1800's of synthetic aniline dyes revolutionised the creation of colouring wood and incidentally spared the lives of countless cochineal beetles used to make carmine dye.
We market a range of powdered dyes suited to dissolving in turpentine or terpene solvents, a range of powdered dyes suited to use with water as a solvent, a range disolvable in methylated spirits (ethanol) and ready for use wood tone dyes in either a water base or a spirit base made by Liberon in the UK.
With a couple of exceptions the powdered dyes we sell are not wood tone ready. Provide you stay within a solubility class they are inter-mixable. These dyes are the raw material from which commercial makers of dyes formulate wood tone ready colours.
Safety - The use of gloves and a two string dust mask is essential when handling these dyes. Read the Wiki link above for toxicity assessments.
Handling Hint - In the workshop we attach long wooden handles to kitchen measuring spoons which allows both accurate enough measuring and keeps hands away from the dyes. Ideally work in a cross draft with the draft taking any dust away.
Purchasing
Colour Charts - note that these are at best an approximation given the limits of photography, lighting and screen rendering.
Powdered Spirit / Alcohol / Methylated Spirit Soluble Dyes
Powdered Oil Dyes - Turpentine and Terpene Soluble
RFU (Ready For Use) Dyes made by Liberon - Available in water soluble and spirit soluble
