Fretboard dye, pain in the back side

Stevepage

I stained my Ibanez RG8 fretboard using Caligraphy ink after seeing that stewmacs Fretboard dye was just pen ink. Now it looks good however after playing I'm getting black finger tips. 

I've rubbed and rubbed and rubbed with an old rag and it's still turning the rag black. I tried a little lighter fluid and that lifted some of the dye off. However after continuously rubbing to get the rest of the dye off it's still leaving the rag black. Even rubbing my finger gently on the fretboard is leaving my finger tip a little black.

I feel very stupid about this, so is there a way I can get most of the dye off or at least stop it from leaving my finger tips black?

Skodadad

Have you oiled it? I use a mix of tung oil and polyurethane on ink dyed bodies, a few light coats seem to lock it in

Stevepage

Yep, went over it with Dunlop 02 deep conditioner

TheMarlin

I used black leather dye to dye my Corvette fretboard black.
You still get black finger tips, but it stop after a week or so.
Still looks great five years on!

Skodadad

Id say alcohol or acetone would be a better option than petrol.

WezV

Where did you see that stewmacs stuff was ink.

It always used to be fiebings leather dye.

Even that needs to be used on raw wood ideally.

If it looks relatively consistent now I would rub some danish oil in and rub it off after five minutes. Should lock the colour in.

If its not consistent I would get some fiebings and apply that first

Stevepage

Here's the stewmac stuff Wez

http://www.stewmac.com/Materials_and_Supplies/Finishing_Supplies/Colors_and_Tints_and_Stains/Black_Fingerboard_Stain.html

FelineGuitars

I use Fiebings if I use anything at all - the leather dye seems to work better

Stevepage

I've heard of better results with the leather dye but that wasn't until after I went and bought ink instead.

Would Danish oil stop the dye coming off on to my fingers?

WezV

Stevepage said:

Here's the stewmac stuff Wez

http://www.stewmac.com/Materials_and_Supplies/Finishing_Supplies/Colors_and_Tints_and_Stains/Black_Fingerboard_Stain.html

that's a bit naughty - the pics are the exact same ones they used to use when it was Fiebings they sold

have a look here

http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Learn_About_Instrument_Finishing_and_Finish_Repair/For_ebony_streaks_use_black_fingerboard_stain.html

Its likely they changed the product because of shipping restrictions

WezV

Stevepage said:

I've heard of better results with the leather dye but that wasn't until after I went and bought ink instead.

Would Danish oil stop the dye coming off on to my fingers?

it should help lock it in place - it will also stop any future dyes penetrating so make sure you are happy with the look before applying any

GuitarMonkey

WezV;905479" said:

Its likely they changed the product because of shipping restrictions

They've also stopped sending ColorTone stains overseas too which is a pity.

Corvus

Last couple of times I put on two thin coats of linseed oil, with a few days between to make sure it was good & cured. Takes forever if put on thick. After a few days it stopped feeling tacky/grippy but had a slight sheen, which a quick wipe of lemon oil fixed. They look great, feel good and not a trace of dye on the fingers from the off.
Haven't tried Danish oil but if it sets it should lock in the pigment in the same way, I guess.

axisus

A bit late but +1 for fiebings leather dye. I have used it a couple of times. Important to not get it in the wrong place though!

Sarge

Would Tru Oil be harder wearing than regular Danish?

WezV

Yes, but that's because it will sit on the surface more and feel less woody. Whereas danish will soak in more and still feel very natural

Stevepage

So I went over with the fretboard with Danish Oil last week. Broke strings so I had to wait till today to get a set. Strung her up and after playing all afternoon the fretboard hasn't left my fingers black. So thanks @WezV, worked a charm