Dyeing wood with RIT dyes?

[cskipper]

RIT dyes, typically thought of for fabric, have been used in dyeing wood. It is supposed to let the grain show. I know that it's water-based, so I'd need to raise the grain first. Has anyone used RIT dyes in their woodworking?

 

[Rob]

I haven't, but bought some to experiment with. From what I understand they are mixing it with DNA, 1 tsp to 1/4 cup.

 

[mckenziedrums]

Can't imagine it's much different than any other dye... Some folks prefer using alcohol for dye others water. It does help to raise the grain a bit first, lightly sand, and then dye. I prefer to keep transtint powdered dyes around though because I can either dye the wood or mix them into my clear top coat.

 

[walnutjerry]

Cathy---------I have used RIT dyes on wood, on Christmas ornaments. The colors were really much brighter than I expected----but that was a good thing. If I remember correctly the wood was white pine. Been a while since I did that.

Jerry

 

[Howard Acheson]

Fabric dyes tend not to be very long lasting when exposed to sunlight. Modern woodworking dye stains are formulated to be much more lightfast than in days of old. All dye stains will color without obscuring the grain. Pigment stains are the longest lasting typically. Because the pigments are not fully transparent and sit on the surface of the wood, multiple applications can somewhat "muddy" the coloring and partially obscure the wood. This is generally not a big issue with the normal application of one to two applications.

As always, testing of finishing plans is always a good idea. That way you can see how things will look before you commit to the whole project.

 

[CrealBilly]

Don't know much about RIT dyes - but I do know if you fill a 5 gallon bucket with green pecan wood chips then fill it with water and put a lid on it. After a few weeks the water will be bright red and sure does stain a deck and your hands . I discovered this by accident preparing for a hickory smoked pork shoulder BBQ.

This article talks about using black walnut, pecan and shag bark hickory nuts hulls for dye - mine was not nut hulls it was fresh fallen pecan wood chips. ---> http://basketmakers.com/topics/tutorials/walnutdye.htm

After hunting around on Google - I guess what I stumbled upon is called a dye liquor but I wouldn't drink it. Come to find out it can be made from a lot of different plant materials. Who knew :dontknow:

A few Links
http://www.prairiefibers.com/Dyeing Notes.htm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/roceal/2298075430/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zevdog/4686463689/

 

[cskipper]

Interesting. Thanks for the links.

 

[pboro]

I have used walnut shavings in alcohol (same alcohol for my shellac)- soaked for a few weeks- now have a perfect walnut dye. Friend told me that walnut husks work too.