Colors
*We no longer pre-mix colors into Land Ark Finishes! We'd like to empower you to mix your own or visit your local paint shop. We're sorry for any inconvenience!
We have been offering two types of colors, aniline dyes by TransTint for interior use and pigmented stains by Mixol (oxide pigmented stains only) for exterior use. The ratio we use for both brands is 12 oz. per 1 gallon. Here's how you can buy the same stuff and mix your own in detail:
TRANS TINT- aniline dyes:
- Where to buy: Homestead Finishing Products. They are the manufacturers, so they offer all dyes in all sizes available, plus lots of other color options
- What to do: If you want to add the color to oil finish you need to first mix the color into their "additive for oil mixing." The ratio we use is 1/3 color to 2/3 additive or 4 oz. color to 8 oz. additive per gallon. Shake extremely well then add to the Land Ark and continue to shake for several minutes. Now you're ready! We recommend two coats. This ratio is the maximum color intensity you can get per gallon. You can always use less color to suit. The Homestead website has lots of great 'how-to' information as well.
- Options: You can skip the oil additive business and separate the dyeing with the finishing by simply applying the TransTint dye (without additive) directly to your wood, letting it dry and then adding the Land Ark over the top.
MIXOL brand universal pigments: (We recommend the "Oxide" colors for Exterior Use!)
- Where to buy: The importer is SeppLeaf Products in New York City, so you can buy directly from them or there are other companies that carry the line as well (Woodcraft for one). Also, a local green building store in our town bought up our Mixol stock and is willing to offer it pre-mixed just like we'd do it, into our finishes if you'd like. Their contact info is: The Earth Smart Store, Corvallis, Oregon, Phone: 541-207-2461.
- What to do: This is easy to mix. Simply add 12 oz. of pigment to 1 gallon of Land Ark and shake very well. This ratio is maximum intensity (unless you want paint!), so you can always use less to achieve your desired tone.
- Other Ordering Options: You can also purchase all colors pre-mixed in Land Ark finishes by ordering from the east coast Land Ark manufacturer. Here's the link.
What's the difference between TransTint and Mixol?
TransTint is a dye, which differ from pigmented stains primarily in how they color the wood. Dye based stains are solutions with extremely small coloring particles. They penetrate deep into the wood and color the wood fibers from within, unlike pigmented stains which leave pigment particles on the surface of the wood. For that reason, dyes are transparent, meaning they let light into the wood and do not obscure natural wood figure and overall character. The Mixol colors are pigmented stains, which is why they offer more protection from the weather.
More Hints:
- Do NOT apply top coats of clear Original or Exterior Finish over tinted surfaces until the under coats withthe color are dry. The solvent in those finishes can cut the color and create streaking if your not careful.
- Coverage: Approx. 350 square feet per gallon or 500 board feet per gallon; rough-sawn materials tend to absorb more. You get less coverage on the first coat and more on the second.