Stains & Dyes

Pigment stains and dyes both alter the color of wood, but they do so in different ways and produce distinct results. Pigment stains contain fine particles suspended in a binder that settle on the surface and in the pores of the wood. Because these particles are opaque, they partially mask the figure and produce a more uniform color. Depending on how they are applied, they can range from a light tint to a more pronounced, even coverage. Dyes, by contrast, contain colorants dissolved in solution, permitting them to penetrate the wood fibers and color the wood at depth. They leave the grain clearly visible and can produce more vivid, transparent color. The result depends on the concentration of the solution, allowing the color to be built gradually.