Using Toner to Add or Change Color

This video demonstrates the use of toner, made with dye, to add color to a woodworking project.

In this episode, I use toner to change the existing color of a set of French doors. These doors are for my clients so this is a live project.

This is not a comprehensive dissertation on the use of dyes and toner. I am limited to the use of what is necessary to complete this particular project, but the principles and the basics are very well applied and demonstrated.

I hope that you enjoy this video from The American Craftsman Workshop and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Providing Nutrition for Woodworkers-

Todd A. Clippinger~American Craftsman
http://www.amcaftsman.com

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Todd A. Clippinger
• American Craftsman
• woodworking
• woodshop
• workshop
• custom furniture
• dovetails
• wood
• Billings
• Montana
• finish
• wood finishing
• finishing instruction
• toner
• tinting
• dyes
• dye
• coloring wood
• woodworking project
• lacquer
• pre-cat lacquer
• pre-catalyzed lacquer
• lacquer finish

[toddclippinger]

Toner is made when you buy the dye & mix it with the appropriate solvent for your situation. Toning is good for changing an overall color.

Glazing is applied and then most of it wiped off. What hangs up in the nooks & crannies creates an antiqued look.

There is a lot to explain & I usually just get with people through private email or phone. I am a remodeling contractor and deal with this work all the time. If you feel comfortable shoot me a private message.

[TheKelleeeee]

Hi Todd I have a buffet I want to make darker it is currently a honey coloured pine. This looks like exactly what I need to do. Put I don't have a sprayer can this be applied by a roller or foam brush?

[toddclippinger]

@TheKelleeeee It is absolutely best if sprayed.

It is said that you cannot apply it any other way but I have had success using a pad and wiping on the toner. I have done this several times to make new T&G oak flooring match old flooring without sanding down the whole room.

This works for small areas but a large piece may be more problematic. I really advise getting a sprayer.

If I can talk to you on the phone I can explain the wipe method in detail if you would like to try it.

[toddclippinger]

@toddclippinger I just realized you are in Canada, don't know if I will get dinged with a large cell phone bill.

I will put together a bit of instruction for a private email so I can cover it properly.

Shoot me a private message with your email.

[soonerbr]

hey todd just discover this video it is great. I'm wanting to refinish my kitchen cabinets from light oak to a dark oak. Will this hold up well in a room that gets a lot of use or would you strip and then ad new stain? Also would you use this technique on a new wood or would you stain first then apply a seal then use dye. Thanks

BR

[toddclippinger]

@soonerbr There are a few factors to consider. What is the overall condition of the cabinets? Some have too much grease contamination and will not hold more coats of finish without releasing or getting fisheye. Also, is the finish you are using compatible with the existing? If you want solid help give me an email with your phone # and let me just call you. Go to my website and use an email link to get me the info. There is not enough room here to explain & answer questions.

[mdysupermom]

If I go to any home improvement store can I purchase both the toner and the dye? Is this similar to glazing? I have existing stained cabinets that I was to darken. Which method you would recommend?

[akijator]

Great knowledge !!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[toddclippinger]

@1234magellan You understood correctly. The truth is that you do not actually need to use any finish in the mix at all. You may use lacquer thinner and dye only.

This is critical: do not put it on heavy as a wet coat. The layers are much lighter than an actual coat of finish. Going too wet will cause the finish to crackle. This is also known as alligator skin or crazing. Your choice of term but it is all the same.

[1234magellan]

@toddclippinger

Todd, If I understood your video correctly you used Lacquer thinner and a touch of lacquer plus Transtint to add color correct? I never saw anyone not use finish to tone with. I'm impressed and liked the idea of not building a thick finish.

great video keep up the nice work. I enjoy the finishing ones.