Help bow staining

[punch]

I have seen several bow that have a stain that fades from dark at the tips to a lighter color as it moves down the bow.  How do you achieve this effect?  I have tried but it never comes out right.  Also what dyes are you using?  I usually use alcohol with RITE dye.

[bushboy]

Really depends on what type of wood you want to dye?

[PatM]

You just need to put your dye on with the two shades  touching and then use a rag with just a touch of suitable solvent to blend the two together so they fade into each other.
 You can even do it without solvent if you move quickly enough.

[wizardgoat]

I use leather dye, seems to work best for me. I use a little sponge and dye the whole bow the lighter tone. Then use a different sponge with the darker colour and start swiping the tips. Use very little dye and do it in a few coats to achieve a better blending effect

[DC]

Practice on a scrap of wood, not the finished bow.            Don't ask

[Dakota Kid]

Woodworker web sites are an excellent resource for tips on dying, particularly when dying turned wooden bowls and vases. Some of the finishes had dozens of layers of dye with sanding between each. Sand where you want it lighter and always start with the darkest dye when using this technique.

With a simple light to dark fade sponging like goat said works great. Have a clean rag nearby. It's easy to apply more than you need. Depending on the brand of dye a little can go a long way.

[DC]

Here's a link to how to dye bamboo. Not sure how it will work on other woods.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV7iZq-ALzM

[bubby]

I do just like wizardgoat, i just use a scrap of tee shirt though

[stuckinthemud]

I make my own by cutting down oil paint with white spirit until I can see the pattern of the plate through it, then building colour up in successive washes of the dye. It doesn't penetrate very far so is easy to rectify if it all goes wrong.