Comparison of Wood Dyes
Wood dyes are a great way or adding colour to your wood - be it craft items, furniture, or natural wood flooring - before coating it with a lacquer or varnish. Whichever type of wood dye you choose, they are all transparent so will give colour to the wood but still allow the grain to show through. dartfords® range of wood dyes consists of three main types - Interior Water Based, Interior Spirit Based and Powdered Dyes. Each have their benefits and features which will determine which one is best suited to your project.
Interior Water Based
Interior Spirit Based
Powdered Dyes
Ready to use?
Yes
Yes
No, needs dissolving in solvent
230ml, 1 litre, 5 litre
230ml, 1 litre, 5 litre
28g (1oz) packets
Number of coats
2 minimum
1 minimum
Alcohol soluble: 1 minimum
Water soluble: 2 minimum
Yes, but will require sanding after first coats as it raises the grain
Yes
Yes, but water soluble powders will require sanding after first coats as it raises the grain
Use on Softwood?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Grain raising?
Yes - sand after first coat to flatten grain, then reapply
No
Alcohol soluble: No
Water soluble: Yes - sand after first coat to flatten grain, then reapply
Thinned with...
Water
Spirit Wood Dye Thinners
Varies by type, either:
Water, or
Shellac and Aniline Thinners
Mixes with...
Water
Water based finishes
Spirit Wood Dye Thinners
Acetone
Some Solvent Finishes inc. Nitrocellulose up to 5%
Depends on solvent used
Use over...
Bare wood
Thixotropic Grain Filler
Bare wood
Thixotropic Grain Filler
Other dyes
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
Lightfastness
High
High
Alcohol soluble: Low
Water soluble: Medium
Metal Complex: High
Coverage
8m² / litre
8m² / litre
8m² / litre when mixed
Cleanup
Water
Interior Spirit Dye Thinners
Water or 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
24+ months from purchase
36+ months from purchase
36+ months from purchase in powder form
3-6 months when mixed depending on type
Storage instructions
Tightly closed original container
Avoid frost
Avoid direct sunlight
Tightly closed original 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
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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