Dying  Veneer

Chemist Bob Behnke has outlined a simple, but somewhat tedious process on how to successfully dye veneer to almost any color. The entire process can take up to nine days. Ironically, lighter shades take longer to dye than darker ones. Light woods such as maple and holly are the best species of wood to dye this way.


Dyeing the Behnke way is a three step process, each happening for three days: The wood needs to be thoroughly cleaned, then it is dyed, and finally blot dried. The first two steps happen in large food warmers that are heated to 180 degrees. He usually dyes 18-24 sheets at a time.



Bob’s dyed veneers are available at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking at info@marcadams.com / 317-535-4013, and he can be reached at: bobehnke@aol.com.