I had never used dye before, always staining any project that needed it. I used TransTint dye on a recent project and I must say I am quite impressed with dye's attributes. Here's what I like about it :
• Even dark colors cover quite well especially if not wiped off.
• If not wiped off (at least in the rather porous oak that I used) it looks good, not splotchy where there was more dye in one area than another when applied.
• Covers glue well.
Disadvantages :
• When mixed with water it doesn't fill pores of open-grained woods. The fix is to seal the wood first (which messes with the color quality), fill the pores with filler or apply an appropriate color stain either under or over the dye coat to fill the pores.
• Gloves must be worn as chemicals in the dyes are caustic.
• The wood grain must be raised and sanded before applying water dissolved dye.