: Hi Dwight-

: Alkyd/acrylic are the bases the same type of thing they use for
: acrylic paint. They're water-based, for sure, but I don't think
: they'll work with epoxy because they'll leave a coating on top
: of the wood. The product everyone uses is analine dye, which is
: different from a stain. They can be water- or alcohol-based.
: Alcohol won't raise the grain, but if you haven't used dye
: before it can give you a blotchy finish because it dries pretty
: fast and you have to get an even coat on the firs try. The water
: is more forgiving. I'm guessing that the Benjamin Moore product
: is a semi-transparent stain that's more like paint. Since they
: dye soaks in and doesn't leave anything on top or in the pores
: (such that they are with cedar) it won't interfere with the
: epoxy. The main brands of dye are from Lee Valley, TransTint and
: SolarLux.

: m
Thanks for the suggestions (thanks also to Jay, Oliver and Bryan). The only issue I have at the moment with the dyes are that there are no light-colored ones shown on the color charts. The lightest seem to be the "Golden Fruitwood" from SolarLux and " Amber" from TransTint. I'll probably get some of each and do some tests. I'm also running some tests with a couple of bleaching agents I have on hand but they are more effective at removing stains from aged wood than they are lightening new lumber so I don't hold out much hope for them.
Dwight