Wood Dye For Guitar?

[Answerprancer]

I am in the middle of restoring a (solid bodied) elec guitar and have decided to dye all except the top of it where I will be applying flame-maple veneer.
It's "basswood" afaik.
I want it to be very dark but all that B&Q seems to offer is light coloured stuff in huge tins.
Soooooo ....does anyone know if any typical high st shops might stock what I'm looking for?
I'd be grateful for any advice.

[mastercraft]

Have you tried Leyland Paints? Don't know your location, but they have many branches around London. Any respectable paint shop should have a good selection of wood stains in various shades.

[Answerprancer]

Nope not heard of them, but I am close to London so will check them out.
What about left over inkjet printer ink, might that work?
I have several bottles of the stuff (cyan magenta black and yellow I th-ink!)

[Answerprancer]

Anyone? Inkjet ink - would it work?

[237SJ]

You could try asking these people http://www.hillsound.co.uk/catalog/category/view/id/65

[Sam1960]

would hobbycraft have anything that would do ?
i've listed their shops in London below
..... just a thought ... !!

http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/london

[venator]

Asi
it's slid, not accoustic, the only consideration is the durability and quality of the finish.

How about Hammerite black gloss? It goes on easily over any surface - even rusty iron - and can be bought in very small tins.

[Answerprancer]

Thanks for the answers so far folks.
What I am looking for can be bought online. I was just being impatient and looking to see if 'all the usual suspects' on the high street (B&Q, Wickes, Homebase etc) might come up with the goods - they don't unfortunately. Most of what has been suggested is heavy duty stuff for dying furniture and flooring, the stuff I'm looking for is perhaps a bit specialist. I'm probably just going to have to take my time and order it online.

[derekpara]

Hi, AP.

I don't know how to provide the link but if you google 'Myland's' or 'John Myland'
they are an old established paint and varnish company in south east London specialising in all types of finish. They will undoubtedly have what you are looking for.

As a bit of an amateur woodworker myself I would recommend a water based dye, often provided in concentrated crystal form which you dilute in water. If you start off with a weak solution you can always go over it again with a stronger dose. Or, simply buy a dark stain. (see their catalogue). Once you have the colour of your choice, apply about three coats of polyutherane varnish. I would recommend thinning the first two coats 50/50 white spirit to varnish, rubbing down lightly between coats, then a full final coat.

I actually went to trade school with John Myland in the 50s. A great firm.

Good luck.

D

[derekpara]

Any help, AP ?

D

[melv16]

http://www.finneyswoodfinishes.co.uk/

I use this company when I have to buy stains & varnishes.
I take it you've stripped the guitar down to the bare wood, stain wont take to varnished surfaces.