Trans-Tint Dyes

Trans-Tint Dyes

These are liquid concentrates that are soluble in either water or alcohol. Each 2 oz. bottle produces ½ gallon of tint dye. They are ideal toners for shellacs, water-based finishes, lacquers, and varnishes.

To Use as a Dye Stain:

Mix the dye with tap or distilled water for an economical, non-flammable stain, or mix with alcohol for a fast-drying, non-grain-raising stain. No waiting or straining is necessary since the dye is pre-dissolved. The suggested mixing ratio is 2 oz. of dye per ½ gallon of solvent, but you can adjust the ratio to suit your needs. Dye solutions can be applied using a brush, rag, spray, or sponge. If using a water-reduced dye, it's advisable to pre-raise the grain by applying the dye with an abrasive pad, such as maroon Mirlon.

To Use as a Finish Toner:

One of the most unique features of TransTint Dyes is their compatibility with a wide range of finishing mediums. Simply add the dye concentrate directly to shellac, water-based finishes, solvent lacquers, or catalyzed varnishes and lacquers. You can add any amount up to 1 oz. per quart. All dye colors are intermixable to create custom shades.

Colors may vary due to computer monitor resolution. Always test the stain on a hidden area before you begin.

Adding TransTint to other products

TransTint Dyes can be added to a wide range of finishing products, such as waxes and glues. The following list illustrates the unique uses for this product.

• Add to waxes to make a one-step colored wax/stain for use on decorative objects and turnings
• Add to water miscible glues, like yellow and white, to disguise glue lines
• Add tothe  veneer glues to make a squeeze-out blend in on figured woods like crotch mahogany
• Add epoxy to make clear colored fillers for filling knots and cracks
• Mix with shellac or water-based finish for touch-ups on damaged finishes (scratches and dents)

TransTints should not be mixed with the following products:

• Oil-based varnishes and polyurethanes
• Watco Danish Oil
• Minwax Wipe-On Poly
• Minwax Antique Oil
• Similar wipe-on oil finishes (excluding gels)
• All oil-based liquid stains (excluding oil-based gel stains)
• Mineral spirits
• Tung oil and linseed oil
• 2K (2-component) polyurethane finishes

However, you can apply TransTint directly to the wood, allow it to dry, and then use these products.

TransTints are not recommended for use with oil-based finishes, including stains, varnishes, polyurethanes, linseed oil, and Tung oil. Instead of adding TransTints directly to oil, you can work around this limitation by mixing them with shellac or another compatible medium. If you need to incorporate TransTints into an oil or oil-based product that thins with mineral spirits, please contact us for a recommended additive to help disperse the dye in oil finishes.