W. D. Lockwood Water Based Misc. Dye Family

I have used Lockwood dyes for more than 25 years. They have a large selection of color to choose from and the customer service is excellent.

I have used these on and off for a few years now and love them!. TFWW is a great vendor and spot on for their usage. I like the water-based dyes a lot and only use distilled water, as a precaution. I don't grain-raise first--seems like an unnecessary first step, unless you're after just a very light tint to your wood. I initially sand with 150-grit (more smoothness seems to cut absorption. However, this can be used to advantage, except on maple which gets blotchier...) then soak the wood with the dye strength I have chosen. Only takes a couple of minutes to soak in well, then wipe dry; blue paper shop towels work great for this. Let dry overnight, sand with 320-grit, dust and re-dye; gives a great, deep, natural color. Another 24 hours or more to really set the dye, then it's some sanding sealer and a brushed/sprayed finish for a piano smooth gloss, or a nice rubbed-in finish for a more natural look. Otherwise, everything they say here is on the money. TEST ON SCRAP before you start! These stains vary, sometimes significantly, depending on how your monitor displays colors... Also a good idea to use glass kitchen measuring cups for consistency when figuring dilutions. Great product and supplier!