A dye can generally be described as a colored substance that has an affinity to the substrate to which it is being applied. The dye is generally applied in an aqueous, solvenated or alcohol solution, and may require a mordant to improve the fastness of the dye on the substrate.
This means a dye will become one with the substrate whereas a pigment will remain in its natural state.

Dyes can come in their natural concentrated state or blended by a manufacturer with either water, alcohol, or solvents. Different reactions occur based on the dilution material. eg: water evaporates slowly therefor pooling and puddling may occur, but acetone dries very fast therefore the color will 'flash off' and not pool or puddle. Other solvents fill the gap in between.

By learning the characteristics of different solvents and alcohols, Dyes can be manipulated to create all kinds of outcomes. One ongoing issue with Dyes is that they aren't always colorfast. Which means Sunlight and UV may fade them and cause them to loose their vibrance.

To resolve this issue many manufacturers offer UV stable sealers as well as offer Dyes premixed with sealer. This brings us to Acrylic Stain.