Tried using food coloring years ago and didn't like the looks, but has been and will be way to cold to do any real finishing, so decided to give this another go. For some reason the overall looks of the wood is real, real good. Used bout half bottle of FC to about 2 cups water. Let each soak approx. 5 minutes. Was expecting each to come out looking brighter and deeper color, but came out pastel. Cool.... Danny :+}