www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

I'm in the process of stripping old laquer off an elm Ercol sideboard.
When it's done it'll be back to the elm colour. My problem is that it's too light for the rest of my living room so I'd like to darken it. I've tried wood dyes before but wasn't impressed with the dark, oak stains because they weren't dark enough and looked yellowish. I've tried antique wax on wood too but don't want to do that again.

Is there anyone out there who knows about dyes and could suggest an option or product?

I take it that you are refering to 'spirit' dyes?

If so, then try mixing a much darker colour into the lighter one, just add small amounts at a time, and sample on a test peice before you comit to the full peice.

WD,

I'd have to make one massive mix to get an even colour then. I think the ones I tried before were Ronseal dyes, can't remember whether they were spirit based or not.

A big is not required, only a small amount.
Use an old syringe and messure the amounts, or work out the ratio of stain per tin, and start off at say, 2 light to 1 dark.

Ronseal is a spirit based one, very liquid? like White Spirit?

If it is slighty dark, use White Spirit to weaken it, in other words thin it out!
But always, test first!

WD,

Thanks for the syringe suggestion, never thought of that.