yellow food colouring

[bob in the woods]

Anyone try using yellow food colour as a wash before further staining ?  It works well as far as showing up surface imperfections , and I like it as a base before my iron/vinegar application. Even a dilute solution helps to show scratches, file marks etc.

[smylee grouch]

So what mixing ratio do you use?

[bob in the woods]

I mix with water , testing on scrap so I get just a nice light transparent yellow wash.

[smylee grouch]

Thanks Bob. Will give it a try.

[Jim Chambers]

Been using it for years to whisker the stock.  Any yellow remaining after the final sanding/scraping just adds to the final color of the stock.  It's much easier to see areas of the stock that need more attention with the yellow color.

[BOB HILL]

For many years I've used alcohol based dark brown #124 Fiebing's leather dye thinned with rubbing alcohol to light yellow to do this. It shows every blemish and scratch. When I am satisfied with my finish, I follow with AF. Dust from food coloring may be safer than from the dye.
Bob

[JoeG]

A straight 10% solution of nitric acid ,

heated will give you a nice yellow under base with dark brown stripes

[Tim Crosby]

  There is a Lemon Yellow powder stain, Lockwood's, that mixed with water works very well when used like Jim posted above. I have been using it on anything Maple, stocks, hawk hafts and furniture for years.

  Tim C.

[Nate McKenzie]

I use LMF honey maple for the same thing.