I'm about to soon begin stabilizing some burl blanks. I'd like to try and achieve the look of the double-dyed blanks that I have seen. Any recommendations for the process?
Can I add dye to the stabilizer? If so, then how is the second color added? Thanks
Yes, the Alumilite dyes are ideal for the stabilising resin...!
As for double or triple dying while stabilising at the same time, the "secret" is to not pull full vacuum and cook the blanks until the last colour is soaked so, for double dying, start with the lightest colour first, let them soak in a container. Soaking time will depend of the wood density and the temps. experienced, icy cold temps do not soak as easy as warm temps...!
After removing the blanks from the first soaking colour, let them drain properly then, mix you second colour but, this time on the vacuum chamber, pull full vacuum until bubbles stop and then proceed with the foil wrapping and cooking.
There is a lot of playing around with double or more dying processes, the type of dye, the amount you use of it and the various ways one can use to force the dye into the wood, are endless (well, almost...!) there is no reason why one can't use the pressure pot and even the vacuum chamber to force the dyes into the wood, particularly the dense ones, regulating the amount of pressure or vacuum for each colour will determine the final results so, this is like the cat skinning story, there are many ways of doing it...!
I hope my info helps you, some how...!
Good luck.
Cheers
George
