Abstract: A composition for use as wood stain comprises water, a cosolvent such as glycol, a system binder such as mineral oil, baby oil or a long-oil alkyd resin emulsion, and a printing ink dispersion as the coloring agent. The composition is transparent and translucent, easy to apply, quick to dry, does not separate into components or phases and can be formulated in a large variety of vivid and uniform colors. Thus, a water-based wood stain is provided which is expected to meet or exceed expected United States Environmental Protection Agency standards. A principal advantage of the composition is provision of an enormous range of colors which can be certified as consistent in color match by existing color specification systems, e.g., Pantene color matching system.

Abstract: A composition for use as a wood stain comprises water, glycerin, mineral or baby oil, and a flexographic printing ink as the pigment provider. The composition is transparent and translucent, easy to apply, quick to dry and can be formulated in a large variety of colors. Thus, a water based wood stain is provided which is expected to meet or exceed expected EPA standards. A principal advantage of the composition is provision of an enormous range of colors which can be certified as consistent in color match by existing color specification systems, e.g., Pantene color matching system.