Hi Mark-

I spoke with Jeff Jewitt (the proprietor of Homestead, who makes TransTint) before I did the test, and he recommended the liquid mixed with alcohol as the best bet for avoiding fading, and since it won't raise the grain or interfere with epoxy it's ideal for the task. I've used Lee Valley's powdered dyes on indoor projects as well, but I'm a bit suspicious of their fade resistance. John Winters, the canoe designer (Green Valley Boat Works) uses them with good results, though. He has some good information on his site, and Homestead has a forum (which I haven't posted to yet) as well. If I were to use a powder, I think I'd still use alcohol. I've tried water before and no matter what I do it still raises the grain, and that means more sanding after applying dye, which means sanding off some of the dyed wood, which turns into quite a vicious circle...

m

: Hi Mike,

: Nice test. The same guy who makes Transtint liquid dyes also makes a powdered
: form called Transfast that you mix up with water. As the name implies,
: it's supposed to be more colorfast. www.homesteadfinishing.com

: Mark