Dyed Wood Question

[Warrior108]

I've always wondered this, don't recall seeing it discussed anywhere and figured it's been a while since I asked a noob type question so ...

How deep is the color penetration on dyed wood? As you're taking material away from the block to uncover the scales, does the coloring change? Is there ever any point in the life of dyed wood scales where a light sanding might be needed to bring things back to life? I'd imagine with density differences, some of these answers may vary with the type of wood.

I don't have any type of problem or issue, just curiosity.

Thanks

 

[Tim the Wizard]

Wood that is not stabilized but color changes due to a stain or surface-level dye will only be superficially colorful, and sanding will reveal a undyed wood core.

Vacuum-stabilization and pressure-stabilization of wood deposits resin deep within the material, as well as dye.

However, even in this method you may have core burly knots or eyes in the wood that do not penetrate well with resin or dye.

In the piece you featured above, which appears to be dyed maple, I would expect full penetration of resin and dye.

Since the wood is essentially plasticized, your mileage may vary in terms of how aging effects display.

But in such cases soap, water, and a coat of wax and oil would likely shine it up rather than sanding.

If you do choose to sand, the patterning of sanding and your consistency in sanding will be more of a cosmetic concern than the placement of dye, which should be retained.

 

[Warrior108]

Thanks for the response and info Jarrett!

 

[Fiddleback]

If properly done the color is through and through. Denser parts of the wood, like those growth rings in your maple may not absorb dye. Thats normal and doesn't effect performance. If the color is somehow not uniform, we usually throw it away after cutting w a table saw. A block is cut twice to make the 1/4" slabs and the center of the material is turned to the outside. So, usually the centermost part of the wood is what you see on your knife.