Wood & Wicker

Dyeing Wood & Wicker

Using Rit Dye to stain unfinished wood and wicker creates beautiful results. The dyes can be mixed to create custom colors that coordinate or match other home décor accessories. Rit is a water-based dye that can be applied like a stain. Unlike some heavy oil-based color stains, it allows the natural wood grain to show through, adding depth and texture to the finished project. And, since wood and wicker absorb the dye, the colors won’t chip or peel like paint.

Supplies Needed

• Rit Dye, Liquid or Powder
• Unfinished wood or wicker
• Measuring cup & spoon
• Containers for dye
• Fine sandpaper (#220) & steel wool
• Tack cloth
• Clear polyurethane
• Foam and bristle brushes
• Old cloth
• Paper towels
• Rubber gloves
• Plastic drop cloth
• Optional: Jelly jars for storing dyes

Instructions

1. Cover work surface with a plastic drop cloth.
2. Sand wood lightly.  Remove dust with tack cloth.   Note:  If working with finished wood, strip paint, varnish or wax from the item.  Scrape and sand surface until smooth; wipe with tack cloth.
3. Dye Preparation:
   • Powder Dyes: 
     
     Mix one package of dye with 2 cups very hot water.
     
     Stir until dye is dissolved.
   • Liquid Dyes: Mix ½ cup dye with 2 cups very hot water.  Stir well.

   Note:  Test dye color on a scrap piece of similar wood or hidden area of project.  If color is too light, add more dye; if color is too dark, add more water.  Dye will appear lighter when dry. 

4. Brush-On Method:  Use to apply dye to large pieces of wood or wicker.  Dip foam or bristle brush or old cloth in dye solution and spread evenly over surface.  Depending upon the shape of the piece or the area, all three may be used.  Let dry and reapply dye, if necessary, to achieve desired shade.
   
    
   
   Note:  When staining wood, keep dye hot for better absorption.  Cover dye with plastic wrap and heat on high in the microwave for 1 - 2 minutes.  Dyes can be stored in jelly jars and reused several times.  Stored dyes must be reheated before use.
5. Immersion Method:  Use to dye small wicker or wood pieces.  Use one package of powder or ½ cup liquid dye for every 2 quarts of very hot water.  Dip or immerse item in dye bath for 10 – 20 minutes, turning occasionally.  If dye bath is shallow, rotate items evenly.
6. Allow wood or wicker to dry completely.    
7. To seal dye-stained wood, apply one or two coats of polyurethane.  Rub lightly with steel wool between coats; remove dust with a tack cloth.  For wicker, brush on one or two coats of polyurethane.  It is not necessary to rub with steel wool between coats.

Helpful Tips

• Pine, oak, cherry and walnut dye beautifully. Pine is a soft, absorbent wood and will require fewer coats of dye. Oak and cherry are hardwoods and may require several coats of dye.
• For a softer look, wet the wood or wicker first and then let it dry for 15 minutes before dye-staining.
• Unwanted dye drips can be removed by sanding wood immediately.
• For a rustic, weather-beaten look: Use two dye colors. Apply the lighter shade to entire wood surface; let dry. Apply darker shade over lighter shade; let dry. When dry, lightly sand entire piece. Repeat applying dye coats; let dry between coats. When completely dry, rub lightly with fine sandpaper or steel wool to create light and dark areas.
• For stencil patterns: Tape stencil where design is to appear. Dissolve one package powder dye or ½ cup liquid dye in ½ cup very hot water; stir well. Dip stencil brush into dye, then blot on paper towel until nearly dry. Beginning at outside edges, brush dye toward center of stencil. Wait one to two minutes until dye is absorbed then remove stencil.
• For clean-up, simply wash paint brushes with mild soap and water. No strong chemicals are needed.