Guide to Finishing Part 2: Staining Dyes, Pigments, and the Secrets to Creating the Color You Want.

You’ve assembled and sanded your project, the can of varnish sits within reach, but this time you want something different than the usual look. You want this piece to match the top-end furniture in the best store in town or the antique in the living room. Or maybe you want to even out the varying colors of different boards that you’ve used, make a common wood look exotic, or add richness and depth to your project’s appearance. If you have any of these goals in mind, it’s time to do some staining. Staining relies on two types of colorants: pigment and dye. We’ll help you choose the right product for the job and apply it correctly.

NOTE: This item is available as a downloadable PDF. To download, view, and print the technique on your computer, you'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here for Step-By-Step Instructions on downloading a pdf. Or, for a few dollars more, the Mail-Direct Technique (a pre-printed, full-color copy) is shipped directly to you via First Class Mail. You should have the Mail-Direct Technique within 7-10 days of ordering. For faster shipment of the Mail-Direct Technique we offer 2-3 day Priority Mail at an additional cost.