General Finishes Dye Stain is a water-based stain known for its deep color and ability to make wood grain pop. The rich tones enhance the grain and produce vibrant colors, especially on highly figured woods like cherry, walnut, and maple. Dye stains can also be used as a toner when mixed with General Finishes Water-Based Top Coats.
Dye Stains are excellent to use on wood with a beautiful grain or pattern that you want to show off. They are like ink in that they penetrate deep into the wood grain, revealing the full figure of the wood with a stunning transparency. Dye Stains are also a great way to layer and intensify color. Using a light color like Amber or Yellow under a darker stain, like Java Gel Stain, creates a nice depth and glow on any workpiece.
This versatile product can also be used as a toner to gradually deepen the color on a project. You can achieve this by mixing a Dye Stain with a GF Water-Based Top Coat in a 1:4 ratio. Once mixed, the toner can be applied with a foam brush (followed by using a dry bristle brush for detailed wood), or sprayed!
It is also possible to make your own custom color by combining Dye Stains with GF Dye Stain Reducer. Simply add Dye Stain in 10% increments to Reducer until you achieve the color you want. Any percentage of stain or reducer can be added, giving you a wide range of color options to fine-tune your finish.
Recommended for interior raw surfaces such as cabinets, trim, doors, and furniture. Always seal General Finishes Dye Stain with 3 coats of any GF Water-Based Top Coat. More coats will not improve durability. Color swatches are on Oak.
Helpful tip:Water pop your workpiece before applying dye stain to reduce any raised grain effect.
Don’t forget your brushes and sandpaper!
Note: Colors shown are for reference only. Your results may vary based on species, grain, sanding, etc.
Shipping Notice:During periods of extreme cold, OakTree may temporarily hold water-based products to prevent them from freezing during transit. As a result, shipping times may vary based on local and national weather conditions.
Specs
Base Type:Water
Interior or Exterior:Interior only
Coats:1 – 2 coats
Application Method:Brush, Roll, Pad Applicator, Spray
Usable over existing finishes:No
Spray Tip Sizes:HVLP 1.1mm-1.3mm
Dry Time – Touch:30+ min.
Dry Time – Recoat:2+ hrs.
Dry Time – Recoat – Applied Over Oil Based Product:24 hours
Coverage:60-80 sq. ft.
Viscosity:Very Thin
Preparation
- Sand open-grain wood (e.g. oak, ash, mahogany) with 120-grit sandpaper, followed by 150-grit, then 180-grit.
- Sand closed-grain wood (e.g. cherry, pine, maple, birch) with 150-grit sandpaper followed by 220-grit.
- Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, an oil-free tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
Note:Do not over-sand with fine-grit sandpaper—this will close and seal the grain, preventing ideal color absorption. Do not use steel wool with water-based finishes.
Directions
- Stir stain thoroughly to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before and throughout the application process.
- Test your entire finishing schedule first. Dye Stain is like ink, and once you apply it, there is no going back as it will sink into the pores of the wood.
- Divide your project into manageable sections.
- Using a synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, pad applicator, or microfiber roller, apply a liberal amount of dye stain. Apply 1-2 coats, working quickly. A second coat will create a deeper, richer color. Do not apply more than 2 coats. Use a light touch with the brush. Dye Stain penetrates the surface fast; if not enough stain is used, the surface may dry too quickly, causing an uneven appearance.
- Stain one section at a time. Immediately wipe off excess evenly with the grain using a cloth or high quality paper towel before starting the next section.
- Dry 2+ hours between coats in ideal conditions: 70°F/20°C; 50-70% humidity. Inadequate dry time is one of the top reasons for finish failure. If in doubt, wait longer. Increase dry time if humidity is over 80% or two coats are used.
- To accelerate drying in humid conditions, add General Finishes Accelerator and work in a space with good ventilation and air movement. If you decide to re-coat before the recommended time, test dryness.
- Allow final coat to dry 2-4 hours in ideal conditions: 50-70% humidity, 70°F/20°C.
- Finish with 3 coats of General Finishes Topcoat.
- If you will be using GF Conversion Varnish as a topcoat, seal first with either GF Sanding Sealer or Clear Poly before spraying Conversion Varnish. This will minimize the reaction from the dye and catalyst.
- Allow final coat to dry 2-4 hours in ideal conditions. Finish with 3 coats of General Finishes Topcoat.
- If you will be using GF Conversion Varnish as a topcoat, seal first with either GF Sanding Sealer or Clear Poly before spraying Conversion Varnish. This will minimize the reaction from the dye and catalyst.
Video
SKU: DPA