Re-dyeing a Maple Burl handle?

[peanutaxis]

Hi,

I bought a Japanese knife with a Maple burl handle that had been dyed a nice understated purple. I oiled it thoroughly with linseed oil and it turned black. Has anyone any experience or advice on trying to dye a wood handle after it has been oiled?

Thanks,
p

 

[fishface5]

I think all you can do is sand it down to try to remove the oiled layer. Even if you could dye it - if it's not stabilized - and you can only dye things lighter not darker - the dye wouldn't penetrate the oil evenly if at all.

 

[peanutaxis]

I think all you can do is sand it down to try to remove the oiled layer. Even if you could dye it - if it's not stabilized - and you can only dye things lighter not darker - the dye wouldn't penetrate the oil evenly if at all.

Thanks for the help. I've noticed that even after only a few washes I *think* the colour is coming back slightly. I will try sanding as you suggest.
Googling it it looks like to stabilize it involves dyes and resins and vacuums....too much for me!

 

[RustyIron]

Hi,

I bought a Japanese knife with a Maple burl handle that had been dyed a nice understated purple. I oiled it thoroughly with linseed oil and it turned black. Has anyone any experience or advice on trying to dye a wood handle after it has been oiled?

Thanks,
p

Linseed oil oxidizes and changes color over time. It starts off yellowy, and and slowly turns browner and browner over the space of many months. I've done restorations on old wood by wiping it with an acetone soaked rag... many times. I doubt you'll be able to restore the original color. Frankly, if you want a finish that doesn't change, don't use natural oils. Modern wood finishes that provide some kind of sealing protection will help your wood looking the same for much longer.

 

[peanutaxis]

Linseed oil oxidizes and changes color over time. It starts off yellowy, and and slowly turns browner and browner over the space of many months. I've done restorations on old wood by wiping it with an acetone soaked rag... many times. I doubt you'll be able to restore the original color. Frankly, if you want a finish that doesn't change, don't use natural oils. Modern wood finishes that provide some kind of sealing protection will help your wood looking the same for much longer.

Thanks. I feel like there *has* to be some oil-based dyes out there that you could potentially add to an oil to oil your knife with.