ColorTone Liquid Stains

[Andromeda]

Has anyone ever used Color Tone Liquid Stains? The Rosewood bridge on my Takamine GJ72CE is much lighter than the Rosewood fretboard. I'd like to find a way to make them match.


https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tool...id-stains.html

[redir]

Yes. I have used them quite a bit and they work just fine. But in your case they may not work as intended. If The Tak bridge already has a finish on it then it will not soak in.

[Piercast]

Originally Posted by redir

Yes. I have used them quite a bit and they work just fine. But in your case they may not work as intended. If The Tak bridge already has a finish on it then it will not soak in.

I'm interested... what have you used to dilute the stains in? Alcool? Shellac? They are water-based IIRC...

[Andromeda]

Originally Posted by redir

Yes. I have used them quite a bit and they work just fine. But in your case they may not work as intended. If The Tak bridge already has a finish on it then it will not soak in.

I'm pretty sure there is no finish on the bridge now.

[Skarsaune]

Originally Posted by Piercast

I'm interested... what have you used to dilute the stains in? Alcool? Shellac? They are water-based IIRC...

I've used water and alcohol, either works.

From their site:"These concentrated grain-enhancing stains are economical; a little goes a long way. Reduce them with alcohol or water to give bare wood beautiful fade-resistant color, without hiding the grain."

https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tool...SAAEgL4IPD_BwE

[redir]

I have only ever used it with water. And yes a little bit goes a LONG way.

I'd still be concerned about the Tak bridge being able to soak up the stain evenly. IF it doesn't thought you could probably sand it off and try again.

[Quickstep192]

ColorTone dye looks a lot like TransTint which I have used a lot.

You can mix it with alcohol or water or both. When mixed with alcohol, it dries really fast which can make it look streaky when applied by wiping on large surfaces. Dissolving in water provides more working time, but can raise the grain of the wood. A 50/50 mix of alcohol and water dries a little slower and doesn’t raise the grain quite as much.

Be careful applying, it tends to flow VERY readily and can get into places you might not want it to go.

[redir]

Don't even think you can get away with not wearing gloves when you mix this stuff up You need to wear gloves or have stained hands for weeks.

[Piercast]

Originally Posted by Skarsaune

I've used water and alcohol, either works.

From their site:"These concentrated grain-enhancing stains are economical; a little goes a long way. Reduce them with alcohol or water to give bare wood beautiful fade-resistant color, without hiding the grain."

https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tool...SAAEgL4IPD_BwE

Thanks. I'll have a shot at a Pau Ferro fingerboard I'm finding way too light for my tastes. I have a practice board at hand...

[Piercast]

Originally Posted by Quickstep192

ColorTone dye looks a lot like TransTint which I have used a lot.

You can mix it with alcohol or water or both. When mixed with alcohol, it dries really fast which can make it look streaky when applied by wiping on large surfaces. Dissolving in water provides more working time, but can raise the grain of the wood. A 50/50 mix of alcohol and water dries a little slower and doesn’t raise the grain quite as much.

Be careful applying, it tends to flow VERY readily and can get into places you might not want it to go.

Really useful, many thanks.

[Piercast]

Originally Posted by redir

Don't even think you can get away with not wearing gloves when you mix this stuff up You need to wear gloves or have stained hands for weeks.

I've been using it mixed with shellac or even CA glue... so I’m well aware of this... let's say "feature". ;-)

[Andromeda]

Thanks everyone for your tips and advice. It's very helpful!