I'm making a base for a hand painted ceramic table top we bought in Italy. I suggested making it out of cherry (since I like working with it) or using some of my supply of red oak. I want to stain it dark to go with the outdoor furniture in there (wrought iron framing). My wife agreed on the dark, but doesn't want any red undertones. I'm still a novice when it comes to finishing, but learning. I've used lockwood dyes with shellac with good success and thought I might do the same for this project. My thought was using their standard brown or dark brown walnut dyes. Would this mask the redness? I can purchase some and try it, but thought I would ask the experts here. I'm open to other suggestions. thanks, Rob.