Having gotten great feedback from my previous questions, I've done a bunch of research on aniline dyes. Based on what I've learned here's what I'm thinking of doing (of course I'll test first but I just need a sanity check). I have completed all the pieces for 7 dining chairs in cherry. The wood varies between light figure and no figure. I want to bring out the chattoyance and grain while giving the wood a somewhat darker finished look without obscuring the natural beauty of the wood. So here's what I'm thinking:
1. All the pieces are already hand sanded to 220.
2. Apply water based analine dye (concentration/colour mix to be determined by experimenting)
3. Sand lightly with 220 to leave dye only in the deeper grain (enhancing the grain)
4. Apply dye again and let dry.
5. Pad 2 coats of shellac, steel wool between coats. (I'm thinking of tinting the shellac by mixing a bit of dye in. Is this advisable??)
6. Spray 2 coats of pre-cat lacquer.

Am I nuts? Does this work? As you can tell I'm on a steep learning curve here. In my previous projects I did not take the care in finishing that the pieces deserved.

Your advice is greatly appreciated.

Hans Braul