Alumilite Dyes are the preferred colorant system for all your stabilizing needs. These dyes are not actually dyes at all but rather a colorant system made for plastic resins. As a result, they are 100% liquid and will cross link with your Cactus Juice and become part of the cured resin. They are easier to mix than any powdered dyes and there are no solvents or carriers that can affect the chemistry of the Cactus Juice.
Dyeing Techniques
Cactus Juice can be dyed when you want to add some color to the material you are stabilizing. For this discussion I will assume wood but the same principles work with any porous material. The best success will be obtained with Alumilite Dyes. They are very concentrated and produce nice, vivid colors that mix and work well with Cactus Juice. Some powdered dyes can work as well but typically have a hard time dissolving thoroughly, leaving a residue in the bottom of the mixing container and on the blanks, sometimes preventing proper uptake of the resin. Alumilite dyes will not affect the cure of the Juice since they are specifically made for use in plastic resins. Be sure to use more dye than you think you need!
There is no formula available to give consistent results from wood to wood. This is due to the way different species and even different pieces of wood within the same log take the dyed Cactus Juice. It is all a matter of trial and error! Stabilizing itself is a science while dying and stabilizing is an art!
MIXING INSTRUCTIONS
I recommend starting out with a ratio of 1oz per gallon of Cactus Juice. Add the dye to the Cactus Juice in a jug and shake vigorously. Then run a sample batch with the wood you plan to do to completion. After cured, cut in half lengthwise to see what the color inside looks like. If it is too dark, add clear Cactus Juice to your mix. If it is not dark enough, add more dye. Just keep in mind that it takes a LOT more dye than you think to get good color in most woods.
Hard woods will require more dye than soft punky woods. Wood color will also have an effect on the final product.
Suggested Starting Mix Ratio: 1oz per Gallon
Maximum Loading Ratio, Do Not Exceed: 4oz per Gallon
NOTE: 1 oz. bottle dispensing tip must be cut to dispense dye. Tip may also be removed completely.
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