Dyes

[Paul Tindell]

Anyone have any suggestions for the type of dyes to use on childrens toys? I'm looking for the most brilliant colors available.

[Stephen Shepherd]

Paul,
Try food coloring it is 'safe' and will dye most light woods bright colors. It is water based so it will raise the grain. Doesn't cost much to give it a try.

Stephen

[Daniel Hunter]

Analin dyes work great. They come in powder form, and mix with water. Use a sponge brush to apply, raising the grain between coats. I think that's what we call it--the tiny ends of the woodgrains stand up after you wet them. It's a good idea to go over the whole thing with plain water first, then sand the hairs. After that, dye-sand-dye-sand-dye-sand-finish-sand-finish. It's that easy!

I think you can get some analin dye from Rockler.com or McMaster.com.

I'll check back later.

Daniel Hunter
Alabama

[mike]

if you are looking for brillant colors and still being able to see the grains minwax offers a line of colored stains that i saw at the home depot. you might be able to topcoat with some type of water based varnish that is recomended for use on childrens toys. you will be amazed at the colors available

[Daniel Hunter]

Rockler.com has several dyes to choose from. Here's the link to their "Toymaker's Dyes":

http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/showdetl.cfm?&DID=6&offerings_ID=1259&ObjectGroup_ID=216&CATID=53

If that doesn't work, try:

http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/showoff.cfm?&DID=6&CATID=53&ObjectGroup_ID=216

Or just follow the "Finishing" links to the dyes section.

Trust me, this is what you need.