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Pro Finishing Secret: Aniline Dye for Wood
Deeper and richer than any stain, aniline dye gives wood stunningly deep color and a long-lasting finish
When it comes to finishing cabinetry, woodwork and furniture, most people think of three basic options right away: paint, stain or varnish. But lesser-known aniline dye deserves its turn in the spotlight.
Like so many good things throughout history, aniline dye was discovered by accident. Roughly a century and a half ago, a British chemist conducted a failed experiment that produced an unexpected result: He noticed that dye pigments had much more staying power when mixed with aniline, a clear, oily fluid found in coal tar.
Homeowners and pros in the know have used aniline dye for decades to add a rich, luminous layer of color to wood without masking its natural beauty. Is it for you? Read on to decide.
Like so many good things throughout history, aniline dye was discovered by accident. Roughly a century and a half ago, a British chemist conducted a failed experiment that produced an unexpected result: He noticed that dye pigments had much more staying power when mixed with aniline, a clear, oily fluid found in coal tar.
Homeowners and pros in the know have used aniline dye for decades to add a rich, luminous layer of color to wood without masking its natural beauty. Is it for you? Read on to decide.
How to Use It
Aniline dye is sold in powder form, to be mixed with water, alcohol or both for application. Many professionals use water-soluble dyes for overall color, because they go on evenly and maintain their integrity well; alcohol-based versions dry faster but don't hold their color as reliably. Dye powders come with instructions for mixing amounts and methods. You can tinker with the color by adding a little more to intensify it or a little less to lighten it.
Apply the dye to unsealed wood with a brush, a foam applicator or a sponge. You'll probably need two to three coats unless you want the color to be very sheer. Allow at least 12 hours for drying between coats. Apply a clear sealer as a finish coat to preserve the dye and add shine.
Tip: Wear rubber or latex gloves to prevent dyed hands as you work.
Aniline dye is sold in powder form, to be mixed with water, alcohol or both for application. Many professionals use water-soluble dyes for overall color, because they go on evenly and maintain their integrity well; alcohol-based versions dry faster but don't hold their color as reliably. Dye powders come with instructions for mixing amounts and methods. You can tinker with the color by adding a little more to intensify it or a little less to lighten it.
Apply the dye to unsealed wood with a brush, a foam applicator or a sponge. You'll probably need two to three coats unless you want the color to be very sheer. Allow at least 12 hours for drying between coats. Apply a clear sealer as a finish coat to preserve the dye and add shine.
Tip: Wear rubber or latex gloves to prevent dyed hands as you work.
What It Costs
Expect to pay $5 to $6 per ounce for a jar of dye powder, available at specialty wood retailers and some paint and stain suppliers.
Have you used aniline dye on your woodwork? Tell us more in the Comments!
Expect to pay $5 to $6 per ounce for a jar of dye powder, available at specialty wood retailers and some paint and stain suppliers.
Have you used aniline dye on your woodwork? Tell us more in the Comments!
First, the difference between a dye and stain: A stain is essentially a thin, lightened form of paint — it coats the surface of the wood but doesn't penetrate it. Dyes, on the other hand, soak into the wood and create a deep layer of color. They are generally transparent, so they're a great choice if you don't want to cover up a beautiful grain or other features.
When you choose a dye color, don't forget that the natural hue of the wood will show through, so be sure to take that into account. For example, a pale blue dye applied to yellow pine might result in a slight green cast. Bleaching wood before you dye it will provide a more neutral background.