Aniline vs Metal Complex Wood Dye Powders
Wood dye powders are economical, easy to ship and allow greater flexibility in use compared to pre-mixed dyes. As you mix the dyes yourself, you can tweak the particular colour (by combining multiple dyes) and the colour intensity (by varying the ratio of powder to solvent). This is particularly useful if you are looking to tint other finishes, as extremely concentrated dyes can be made. But what's the difference between Aniline and Metal Complex dyes? Why would you use water instead of alcohol soluble? Check out the comparison table below to find out.
Alcohol Soluble Aniline
Water Soluble Aniline
Metal Complex
Ready to use?
No, needs dissolving in Shellac and Aniline Thinners
No, needs dissolving in water
No, needs dissolving in either water or Shellac and Aniline Thinners
28g (1oz) packets
28g (1oz) packets
28g (1oz) packets
Makes when mixed...
1 litre Concentrated
2 litres Standard
4 litres Wash Coat
1 litre Concentrated
2 litres Standard
4 litres Wash Coat
1 litre Concentrated
2 litres Standard
4 litres Wash Coat
Coverage
8m² / litre when mixed
8m² / litre when mixed
8m² / litre when mixed
Number of coats
1 minimum
2 minimum
Dissolved in Shellac and Aniline Thinners: 1 minimum
Dissolved in water: 2 minimum
Yes
Yes, but will require sanding after first coats as it raises the grain
Yes, but water soluble powders will require sanding after first coats as it raises the grain
Use on Softwood?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Grain raising?
No
Yes - sand after first coat to flatten grain, then reapply
Dissolved in Shellac and Aniline Thinners: No
Dissolved in water: Yes - sand after first coat to flatten grain, then reapply
Thinned with...
Shellac and Aniline Thinners
Water
Water, or Shellac and Aniline Thinners
Mixes with...
Once dissolved, can be added to many solvent based finishes including Nitrocellulose up to 5%. Adding a small amount of Acetone can aid mixing.
Water, and once dissolved it can be added to many water based finishes.
Depends on solvent used - see Alcohol/Water Aniline for details.
Use over...
Bare wood
Thixotropic Grain Filler
Other dyes
Bare wood
Thixotropic Grain Filler
Bare wood
Thixotropic Grain Filler
Other dyes, depending on solvent used
Use under...
Shellac Sealer
Cellulose Sealer
Varnishes
Lacquers
Oils
Shellac Sealer
Cellulose Sealer
Varnishes
Lacquers
Oils
Shellac Sealer
Cellulose Sealer
Varnishes
Lacquers
Oils
Cleanup
Shellac and Aniline Thinners
Water
Water or Shellac and Aniline Thinners, depending on solvent used
Application methods
Brush/Sponge/Cloth
Spray
Dip
Brush/Sponge/Cloth
Spray
Dip
Brush/Sponge/Cloth
Spray
Dip
Shelf life
36+ months from purchase in powder form
3 months when mixed depending on type
36+ months from purchase in powder form
6 months when mixed depending on type
36+ months from purchase in powder form
6 months when mixed depending on type
Storage instructions
Powder: Sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place
Mixed dye: Tightly closed container, avoid frost, avoid direct sunlight
Powder: Sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place
Mixed dye: Tightly closed container, avoid frost, avoid direct sunlight
Powder: Sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place
Mixed dye: Tightly closed container, avoid frost, avoid direct sunlight
Lightfastness
Low
High
Highest
Recommended uses
Vintage guitar restoration
Relic guitar new-builds
Antique restoration
All interior wood projects including furniture, crafts, floors and guitars.
All interior wood projects including furniture, crafts, floors and guitars where the highest lightfastness is required.
Strengths
Accurately recreates vintage guitar finishes
Easy to apply
Excellent colour strength and brightness
Highest lightfastness
Mixes with both water and alcohol
Weaknesses
Colour fades quickly
Grain raising, so requires multiple coats and extra sanding
Limited colour range
When dissolved in water it is grain raising, so requires multiple coats and extra sanding
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions about or suggestions for this article please use the contact form. Look out for new articles every week!
Simon Hurley
Founder and Managing Director
dartfords® Wood Finishes, part of Rothko and Frost Limited
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