Use of Fabric Dyes?

[Paul Williams]

My wife has a project that will use several colors of Dharma fabric dyes. (Procion Dyes) Does any one have experience using this type of dye on wood? I am sure there will be many left overs to experiment with.

[Dick Strauss]

John Keeton might chime in on his experience with Procion MX dyes...

[John Keeton]

I have had very good experience with Procion MX dyes, if that is what is being used. They are water based and cellulose reactive, so the liquid color usually is not what you will get when applied. Test pieces are in order! You do not need to "set" the dyes with soda ash as is done with fabrics since the wood will not be washed. It is also advisable to wet and sand the piece first to raise the grain. That will provide better results and a better finish. I set the dye with spray lacquer before proceeding with a finishing regimen.

Also, it takes a very small amount of dye powder to make a couple ounces of dye, which is usually plenty.

[Paul Williams]

Thanks John. I have had very little experience with dyes. I will try test pieces and post any interesting results before I try a turning.