What can I use to get the same result of Sapelli stain? I am in the USA and shipping costs are extremely high to purchase from Occre or Artesania Latina for a $3.00 to $4.00 bottle of stain. Minwax red Mahogany is OK but not the same. Any suggestions??
Alternatively, you can make any stain you want or need. You can purchase Alcohol/Water Soluble Dyes of the color you need. It is a dry powder, you can mix and test if you need to add more.
There is a difference. Stains are made of colored pigments that stick in the grain and pores of the wood surface while dyes consist of microscopic particles that penetrate the wood itself. As a result, dyes and stains produce different effects and affect different wood species in different ways.
Dyes used in woodworking are similar to those used in dying cloth. When mixed with the proper solvent, dye crystals dissociate into individual molecules. That makes them tiny enough to penetrate deep into the wood. The most common wood dyes are powders that are mixed with water or alcohol. Because they’re so small, dye molecules go deep into wood and bond directly to it, so it is not necessary to have a separate binder included. That’s an advantage since there is no film left on the wood surface that could cause problems when the finish is applied.
Advantages:
Although color change is its primary function, stain can also intensify or diminish the grain of the wood, depending on the type of wood and the type of stain you use. Note that because the binder forms a thin seal over the wood, it does not absorb a second coat of stain as well as the first.
Advantages:
The ultimate answer to the ‘Stain or Dye’ question depends on the wood you’re using and the results you desire. Choose wisely.
STAIN OR DYE
No, that’s not a motto for a crazed woodworker. It’s a choice. When you get ready to add color to your next project, stop to consider whether stain or dye will best enhance the look of the wood.There is a difference. Stains are made of colored pigments that stick in the grain and pores of the wood surface while dyes consist of microscopic particles that penetrate the wood itself. As a result, dyes and stains produce different effects and affect different wood species in different ways.
Dyes used in woodworking are similar to those used in dying cloth. When mixed with the proper solvent, dye crystals dissociate into individual molecules. That makes them tiny enough to penetrate deep into the wood. The most common wood dyes are powders that are mixed with water or alcohol. Because they’re so small, dye molecules go deep into wood and bond directly to it, so it is not necessary to have a separate binder included. That’s an advantage since there is no film left on the wood surface that could cause problems when the finish is applied.
Advantages:
- Penetrates deeper into the wood and reduces the potential for future scratches to show.
- Allows the addition of deep, vibrant colors without obscuring the grain.
- Better suited to dense or figured woods.
- Dyes can be more prone to fading in sunlight than pigmented stains.
Although color change is its primary function, stain can also intensify or diminish the grain of the wood, depending on the type of wood and the type of stain you use. Note that because the binder forms a thin seal over the wood, it does not absorb a second coat of stain as well as the first.
Advantages:
- Does a better job of bringing out the grain pattern in large grain woods such as ash and oak.
- Because stains contain a binder, you can treat them a little like paint, leaving a bit more pigment on the surface. Just use restraint to avoid obscuring the grain entirely.
- Stains need to be stirred often to ensure that the particles tend to settle on the bottom.
- Multiple applications to darken the color may obscure the grain.
- Will not work well on dense, close-grained wood.
The ultimate answer to the ‘Stain or Dye’ question depends on the wood you’re using and the results you desire. Choose wisely.