Coloring wood

[PrettySisqo]

Can anyone give me any tips on how to dye wood whenenver I make my own toys? I've heard of using alcohol before, but is that really safe?

[stepht25]

I've always used food coloring to dye my toy parts. Can get kind of messy (well, at least I can!) But it works.

[Pepper's Pa]

I've heard lots of people use VitaCritter dyes for their wood toys. Click here to go to the VitaCritter web site. They recommend using alcohol to increase the color of the stained wood. Once dry, the wood is safe and no alcohol remains.
Download a copy of the The Parrot Enrichment Activity Book and you may get some good suggestions. Information on wood toys begins on page 11.
Good luck with your making your toys.

[Copper]

I use gallon size ziplock bags. One tablespoon food color, one teaspoon wood alcohol (not rubbing alcohol... there is a difference) 4 cups hot tap water.
Put wood blocks in bag, add color, get as much air out as is possible, and seal.
Let them sit for 24 hours, remove and let air dry, or put on rack in oven and turn oven on to 'warm' for several hours.

It is best to drill the holes and sand the edges before you dye.

[BobbieSD]

Koolaid works well for some colors.

[DHDaniel]

Vita Critter is the way to go, Its safe, Buy the sampler. mix it in 16 oz plastic
coke bottles with alcohol use only what you need and pour the rest back , Last a long time, goes a long way. No bacteria growth in the alcohol.
Just too easy, and works VERY well

Dave

[Samm]

Originally Posted by DHDaniel

Vita Critter is the way to go, Its safe, Buy the sampler. mix it in 16 oz plastic
coke bottles with alcohol use only what you need and pour the rest back , Last a long time, goes a long way. No bacteria growth in the alcohol.
Just too easy, and works VERY well

Dave

Exactly!! And the alcohol leaves no residue when dry....not harmful to birds or kids