A 20% mixture of black dye (Transtint or other liquid, water soluble dye) to water is wiped liberally into the wood...to a damp to wet degree. This is a MUCH denser ratio than I would have thought was proper...and you can go through a lot of dye doing it...but it's that density of dye that produces the effect. Keep in mind you can only do so much with a marginally figured piece.
I've had this process described to me on the phone by Scott Walker while I took notes. Scott has demonstrably mastered this process. I haven't done it myself on a guitar...only on test panels...but they are nice....certainly like you want it.
Then, after sanding it back, repeat the first process with the black and sand it back.
After that, use a 10% solution of the color you intend to use...and sand THAT back.
Finally, use a final solution that achieves the color you want.
Topcoats are clear but you could forego the last color dye on the wood and dye the tint instead.
I have a layered wood concept that prevents me from really using this technique to pop the figure. I can't dye only one of the layers without contaminating the other. Thank goodness because it's a LOT of sanding.
I do like the look but in order to do it I'd have to toss out a feature that may help to identify my instruments.http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag7 ... c1a51d.jpg
