Finishing Stains & Dyes

Wood finishing dye and pigment stains can be complicated to fully grasp.

In dye stains, colored chemicals are dissolved into a solvent carrier, breaking down into sub-microscopic particles that penetrate readily into individual wood fibers. Since dyes put no solid material between you and the wood, they are justly famous for their striking clarity.

In pigment stains, finely ground colored particles settle onto the surface of the wood, lodging in pores, sanding scratches and the texture of the grain. Because they consist of solid particles, not chemical solutions, pigment stains generally resist fading very well. They're your best choice for outdoor applications, or for use indoors where prolonged exposure to sunlight is expected.

Wood finishing expert Bob Flexner's Book Understanding Wood Finishing is an valuable finishing resource to have on hand.