I have used dye quite a bit. To get it to work out on wood if you're unsure, or if it's a new color (new makes me nervous because I rarely have time for rework), I always mix a little bit more diluted than max, and I do multiple coats. I do not, however, let the coats dry in between. I just keep adding dye until I get what I like. It takes an eye if you're trying to get something specific, but if you're doing a one-off and don't have a clear plan you're obsessed with it's going to work out. In general, if you're not going to do a lot of test panels, the darker you make it with the dye the better it will look once you finish it. With Homestead (transtint) I frequently use a coat of Amber, followed by Red Mahogany, or sometimes Amber followed by Reddish Brown.

As a professional cabinetmaker I have also done a lot of finishing using spray equipment. We have used dyes, and in fact, frequently sprayed dyes. In that case we would spray the dye, add the stain, and finish with water white clear. However- on occasions we did tint the finish as well. It is very difficult because you have to have enough experience with applying whatever you're applying that you can be sure you're putting down an even layer, because any areas that get more or less of the finish will be a different color. It is easiest to do using a finish like old-fashioned nitrocellulose lacquer or shellac because in both cases the new layer always dissolves the previous layer somewhat, so the color tends to even it out. You can't do that with varnish, though. It's a different beast.

I am SO over bright finishes, though...

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