New Life for Grips from eBay

[Olle]

Originally Posted by ithacaartist

Alcohol is a good vehicle because it evaporates completely and will have not much tendency to raise the grain of the wood.

That's why I prefer alcohol based dye, water and wood don't mix well IMO. I don't know how the water based variety works, but with the dye I use you can actually lighten it a bit if you happen to put on too much. Just soak a rag in alcohol, wet the wood with it, then dab it off with a dry rag. In severe cases, dunk the whole grip panel and start over. This might work with water based dyes as well?

Another DIY trick is to use colored permanent markers to adjust the color. For example: If your dye needs a hint of red, cut a red marker in half and put everything you find inside in a Tupperware container, then add alcohol. Dilute it as necessary, and use it as a dye. It usually makes a mess, but it works in a pinch.