help making a toner? (let me ask it this way)

[keith ouellette]

I figured I'd try asking the question in a more clear manner.

DO I dilute the oil based dye all the way into 1 1/2 pints of solvent and then start adding it to the shellac or do I keep it stronger, like say 1/2 pint to 1 oz of dye and then add that to the shellac?

[Jim Becker]

Oil based dye added into shellac? I don't believe that's going to be a good idea. You want a dye that's compatible with shellac; either an alcohol soluble dye or a universal dye (works with water or alcohol) for best results.

Unfortunately, "getting your color" is largely going to be a matter of experimentation and trial on scrap of the same wood from your project that has the base finish already applied. Personally, I like to go mid-range or darker as it's easier to dilute than it is to intensify...at least for me. This for the actual "toner". And I'm assuming you will be spraying the toner...about the only way to get an even result. Spraying also makes it easier to control the color as you can do several lighter applications and move to where you want to be.

[keith ouellette]

Originally Posted by Jim Becker

Oil based dye added into shellac? I don't believe that's going to be a good idea. You want a dye that's compatible with shellac; either an alcohol soluble dye or a universal dye (works with water or alcohol) for best results.

Unfortunately, "getting your color" is largely going to be a matter of experimentation and trial on scrap of the same wood from your project that has the base finish already applied. Personally, I like to go mid-range or darker as it's easier to dilute than it is to intensify...at least for me. This for the actual "toner". And I'm assuming you will be spraying the toner...about the only way to get an even result. Spraying also makes it easier to control the color as you can do several lighter applications and move to where you want to be.

Thanks Jim. I finally was able to get ahold of a friend who knows a lot about finishes and he warned me the same thing. No oil based in shellac.

I know you said a toner made out of poly is a bad idea but seeing all I have is an oil based dye I'm going to mix up the dye and use it with the poly on some tests. If I ruin the dye then no big loss.

Thanks for the help.

[Jim Becker]

The only "bad" thing about using the oil based varnish as a toner is that the dry time is glacial. (spraying is still recommended for even coverage and remember that the overspray is going to be a sticky mess. Be sure to cover everything!)