stain
A suspension or solution of a dye or other
coloring matter in a suitable vehicle. The
principal difference between a stain and other
coloring agents is that the former has little or
no power to opacify; consequently, when applied to
leather. for example, a stain imparts color while
still allowing the grain pattern of the leather to
remain clearly visible. The two types of stains
most often used in coloring leather in restoration
work are spirit stains, which are dyes dissolved
in methylated spirit, and water-soluble stains,
which are dyes dissolved in water. Those most
often used today for this purpose are the
synthetic dyes, such as those prepared from
aniline tars. Spirit stains tend to give greater
penetrating power and are faster drying than
water-soluble stains. Both types are available in
powder form, or as prepared solutions. (64 , 236 )
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