View Full Version : Stain or dye?
Looking around, I see the same companies are selling both stains and dyes - both water based - is there a difference? Other than the fact that the stains seem to come in more colors?
John.
Basically, stains have solid pigments in them, and dyes do not. Stains mask (muddy) the grain of the wood while dyes leave the wood crystal clear...
Hans has it right: mandolins are to dye for.
Dale Ludewig
Mar-19-2009, 6:15am
Rolfe: :))
Something else that hasn't been mentioned yet is that, as Hans mentioned, stains have solid pigments in them. Because of this they tend, and that is an understatement, to bring out sanding marks. So you need to sand to a much finer grit than is necessary when using dyes. When you do that, the stains won't go on as dark as if not sanded so finely. Dyes don't pay much attention to sanding marks. Not that you could sand 80 grit and leave it at that...
Hans has it right: mandolins are to dye for.
LOL, Surely the quote of the day :grin:
Thanks for the as ever helpful answers from you all, John.