General Finishes Dye Stain, Light Brown, Pint
General Finishes Water-Based Dye Stain in Light Brown, Pint, adds transparent, penetrating color that shows the figure of raw interior wood. This pint can covers about 60–80 sq ft, depending on the wood and application. Test your complete stain-and-topcoat process before committing to the project.
Features
- Transparent dye color reveals the figure of woods such as maple and walnut.
- Very thin stain penetrates raw wood instead of hiding the grain.
- A second coat can deepen color once the first dries.
- Dye Stain Reducer lets you lighten the color for a tested custom mix.
Best for
Interior raw wood furniture, cabinets, trim and doors, especially figured grain. Compare the Light Brown maple and oak swatches as examples, then test on your actual wood. Species, preparation, lighting and topcoat affect the result.
Specs
| Color / size | Light Brown / Pint |
|---|---|
| Base / use | Water-based dye stain / interior raw wood |
| Coverage | About 60–80 sq ft per pint |
| Touch dry / recoat | 30 minutes or longer / 2 hours or longer, when dry |
| Full cure | No duration specified; manufacturer TDS lists N/A |
| Coats | 1–2 stain coats; maximum 2, then 3 compatible GF topcoat coats |
| Apply with | Synthetic-bristle or foam brush, pad or microfiber roller; HVLP 1.1–1.3 mm for spraying |
| Color adjustment | Use Dye Stain Reducer to lighten; do not use water for lightening |
| Cleanup | Hands: soap and water; equipment: GF Brush & Gun Cleaner |
| VOC | Under 250 g/L, Light Brown SDS revised 2022-10-14 |
| Manufacturer part # | DPL |
How to apply
- Sand open-grain wood with 120, 150, then 180 grit; closed-grain wood with 150 then 220 grit. Remove dust. To reduce raised grain, dampen the sanded wood, dry fully, then lightly sand with a 220–320 foam pad. Do not use steel wool.
- Ventilate and stir before and throughout use. Work quickly on one manageable section. Flood with stain using a brush or pad, then immediately wipe excess evenly with the grain. Use cloths for wiping, not applying.
- Wait at least two hours between coats and until dry. Allow the final coat 2–4 hours in ideal conditions, about 70°F and 50% humidity; cool or humid conditions take longer.
- Apply three compatible topcoat coats after full drying. Before an oil-based GF topcoat, wait at least 24 hours. For Conversion Varnish, first seal with GF Sanding Sealer or Clear Poly.
Good to know
Dye sinks deeply into wood, so test first. It is not for an existing finish, non-wood surface or outdoor use. Do not combine with linseed or Danish oils. Follow current manufacturer directions for Extender and spraying; use the specified respirator and ventilation. This color SDS assigns no label elements or signal word; follow its handling instructions. Read the Light Brown safety sheet and can label. Dispose under local rules; do not pour leftover stain down drains.
Questions
Will it hide the grain? No. This transparent dye is intended to reveal figured wood.
How do I make the color lighter? Mix with Dye Stain Reducer and test; water is not recommended for lightening.
Does it need a topcoat? Yes. Seal fully dry stain with three coats of a compatible General Finishes topcoat.