Dyeing pieces for inlay.

[Redcoat]

So with Wood-n-whimsies shutting down shop, I've been working on making my own USMC Rank inlay pen blanks.

I think I've got the design worked out, spacing the chevrons and power settings for my laser are all good, now I'm wondering about the coloring.

How can I get the color all the way through the pieces so that when it's sanded down it doesn't go back to the original wood color?

I was thinking about thinning some acrylic paint with water and chucking it in a vacuum pot, but Google said that might not be the best idea.

Wiser minds than mine, I ask for your guidance and thank you for your time.

 

[KMCloonan]

You can stabilize the wood in dyed cactus juice - the stabilization process involves submerging the wood in the cactus juice under vacuum. After about 24 hours, the wood (depending on the density) would be dyed through and through. More dense woods will likely take longer. You can check out the process at turntex.com.

 

[Redcoat]

You can stabilize the wood in dyed cactus juice - the stabilization process involves submerging the wood in the cactus juice under vacuum. After about 24 hours, the wood (depending on the density) would be dyed through and through. More dense woods will likely take longer. You can check out the process at turntex.com.

I appreciate the response. I have seen that, I don't know how well that would work in this case.
I'm dealing with multiple very small pieces that need to be dyed and put back in to their original place much like the inlay blanks on the Rockler website.

Doesn't stabilization end up with crusties and residue on the outside? Every stabilized blank I've ever bought has been a bit of a nightmare to smooth out and turn.

 

[Redcoat]

And I got a response back from another source I asked that pretty much said 'What KMCloonan said is correct', looks like I have to start shopping for a vacuum chamber and some cactus juice...