I think it is safe to say that Fiebing is the brand most pipemakers use for stain (on this side of the pond anyway). I know some out there are using aniline dyes but for this discussion we'll stay with Fiebing.
I'm curious if anyone has done any in-depth comparison testing of the three blacks that are commonly available-standard alcohol black, USMC black and the Pro Oil black.
The Pro Oil is also alcohol based but has been modified in some manner (the assumption being the addition of some sort of oil).
I, for one, would be interested to know the the rationale behind choosing a particular version.
Comparison of Fiebing black dyes
- sandahlpipe
- Posts: 2106
- Joined: Mon Feb 04, 2013 8:49 pm
- Location: Zimmerman, MN
- Contact:
Re: Comparison of Fiebing black dyes
Usmc black is more navy blue than black. It stands for US Marine Corps. The oil dyes have deeper penetrating properties as they have oil in the mixture. The standard leather dye is what most people use, and it does not penetrate the wood as deeply as the oil dye. This is just my experience.
-
- Posts: 3121
- Joined: Sun Sep 02, 2007 4:29 am
- Location: Kansas City, USA
- Contact:
Re: Comparison of Fiebing black dyes
Used undiluted (it's a concentrate) this is the blackest black I've found:
http://www.stewmac.com/Materials_and_Su ... tains.html
http://www.stewmac.com/Materials_and_Su ... tains.html
UFOs must be real. There's no other explanation for cats.
- PremalChheda
- Posts: 1213
- Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2010 6:03 pm
- Location: Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Contact:
Re: Comparison of Fiebing black dyes
sandahlpipe wrote:Usmc black is more navy blue than black. It stands for US Marine Corps. The oil dyes have deeper penetrating properties as they have oil in the mixture. The standard leather dye is what most people use, and it does not penetrate the wood as deeply as the oil dye. This is just my experience.
The oil dye may or may not be a drying oil. Last time I used it was back in 2007, and I recall that the oil kept leaching out so I stopped using it.
Premal Chheda
http://www.chhedapipes.com - Just for fun
http://www.smokershaven.com - New & Estate Pipes
http://www.rawkrafted.com - Pipe Making Tools, Materials, & Supplies
http://www.chhedapipes.com - Just for fun
http://www.smokershaven.com - New & Estate Pipes
http://www.rawkrafted.com - Pipe Making Tools, Materials, & Supplies
- sandahlpipe
- Posts: 2106
- Joined: Mon Feb 04, 2013 8:49 pm
- Location: Zimmerman, MN
- Contact:
Re: Comparison of Fiebing black dyes
The oil dye does take a longer time to dry and needs to have the excess wiped off with water or denatured alcohol. I'd only use it if you're letting it dry for at least 24 hours before finishing.
- baweaverpipes
- The Awesomer
- Posts: 947
- Joined: Tue Dec 19, 2006 8:07 am
- Location: Franklin, Tennessee
- Contact:
Re: Comparison of Fiebing black dyes
When doing a contrast stain, I never use USMC black due to the blue hue. Once I did this with yellow and ended up having to redo a green pipe!
I've had great luck with the oil based, it simply needs to dry for a day or two.
George, thanks for the tip on the Stew-Mac.
I've had great luck with the oil based, it simply needs to dry for a day or two.
George, thanks for the tip on the Stew-Mac.