How to Dye Wood

Small wooden blocks and shapes are often used to make toys for children and pets. Coloring can make these crafts more visually appealing and hide defects in the grain of the wood. You can achieve a non-toxic matte finish by dying the wood using powdered drink mix. This is far less expensive than paint, and the dyed wood is safe for pets to chew.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Old newspapers
• Disposable gloves
• Unsweetened powdered drink mix
• Small glass or stainless bowls
• Unfinished wooden parts
• Cooling rack

1. Prepare a workspace by covering a table with old newspapers. Place the bowls you will be using in a row down the middle of the table. Put the unfinished wood on one side of the table and the cooling rack on the other.

2. Mix each packet of unsweetened drink mix with one cup of water, being sure to completely dissolve the powder. Be sure to use stainless steel or glass bowls for the mixture, since plastic and other materials may be permanently stained. Different flavors of drink mix will produce different colors. For example, cherry or fruit punch drink mix will make red dye.

3. Place the wooden parts in the mixture, a few at a time. Make sure the parts are completely submerged in the dye.

4. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then remove the wooden parts and place them on the cooling rack to dry. You can start the next batch while the first is drying.

5. Once the wooden parts have dried, check to see if the color is dark enough. Very hard woods may need to be soaked in the mixture for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.

6. Allow the parts to air dry completely, preferably overnight, before using.

Tips & Warnings

• Grape drink mix produces a greyish purple shade that may not be what you expect. If you're not sure if this is the color you want, test it on a scrap of wood beforehand.
• You can use coloring tablets, sold for dying Easter eggs, in the same way. Dissolve each tablet in one cup of water, and add a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice.
• The dye will stain hands, clothing, carpet, and some surfaces. Always wear gloves and work in an area protected by newspaper or a plastic tarp.
• Never use sweetened drink mix for this purpose, as this will make your dyed wood sticky and could attract ants.