Tool of the month

Wood dye offers a shortcut to great results, says George Dent. If you’re about to assemble a laser-cut wooden kit, stone-cast building, or working with any porous material, consider oil-based wood dyes as a finishing agent. They’re readily absorbed and impart a naturally patchy finish, which is ideal for mimicking weathered masonry and timber structures.

A range of oil-based dyes should be applied to the components before assembly (glue will seal the material, making absorption difficult). Work with lighter shades first, as we can go progressively darker with extra coats. Antique Pine, Medium Oak, Mahogany, Walnut and Ebony dyes have been employed here.

Only the window frames of this Osborn’s Models kit have been painted. A mix of oilbased wood dyes has given the brickwork plenty of tonal variation. This reduces the need for subsequent weathering, thus speeding up the job considerably.