General Finishes Welcomes
TransTint® to the Family
General Finishes, a leading American manufacturer of premium water and oil based wood coatings, has acquired TransTint®, uniting two brands built on craftsmanship, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence. This next chapter brings together TransTint’s trusted professional dyes with the high performance finishes woodworkers have relied on from General Finishes for decades.
Superior Performance
Engineered for consistency, clarity, & lasting color. TransTint® delivers flawless results across furniture, cabinetry, and woodworking projects.
Unmatched Versatility
Mix with water, alcohol, or General Finishes products. One formula, endless color possibilities.
Backed by Expertise
Supported by decades of innovation from General Finishes, TransTint® is trusted worldwide for proven quality and performance.
What is TransTint®?
TransTint® dyes are premium, concentrated liquid colorants engineered to blend seamlessly with a wide variety of bases, giving woodworkers unmatched flexibility when creating stains and toners. Designed for exceptional grain clarity and rich, even color saturation, TransTint® delivers a depth and brilliance that traditional wood stains simply cannot match.
Unlike standard stains, TransTint® dyes penetrate deeply, amplify natural grain patterns, and offer an expansive palette of vibrant hues that professionals rely on for everything from fine furniture and cabinetry to instruments and restoration work.
TransTint® dyes are compatible with a wide range of mediums including water, alcohol, shellac, lacquer, and the following General Finishes products that help you achieve professional grade color results:
As a stain:
• General Finishes Natural Wood Stain
• General Finishes Dye Reducer
As a toner:
• General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoats
• All General Finishes Enduro Water Based Topcoats
Whether you are creating a bold custom stain or adding subtle color between finish coats, TransTint® gives you the control, versatility, and depth needed to bring your project to life.
The Origins of TransTint®
In 1994, Jeff and Susan Jewitt founded Homestead Finishing Products, an online destination for wood finishing supplies, tutorials, and resources. What started as a small catalog business quickly became a trusted name among professional woodworkers and hobbyists. By 2004, the Jewitts focused their full attention on Homestead, dedicating their expertise to supporting the growing finishing community. In 1998, their passion for craftsmanship led to the creation of TransTint® Dyes, a breakthrough in color technology formulated and manufactured by the Jewitts. Known for its unmatched versatility and depth of tone, TransTint® earned global recognition across woodworking, musical instrument making, flooring, and even aerospace applications. Jeff’s finishing expertise also reached audiences through books, DVDs, and leading industry publications.
A New Chapter with General Finishes
In 2025, General Finishes, one of North America’s leading manufacturers of premium wood finishes, proudly acquired the TransTint® brand, uniting two companies built on craftsmanship, innovation, and education.
Based in East Troy, Wisconsin, General Finishes has been a leader in advanced finishing technologies since 1928. The addition of TransTint® expands its color technology and strengthens its commitment to premium finishing solutions for professionals and DIYers alike. Under the leadership of General Finishes, TransTint® continues its legacy of innovation and excellence. With expanded resources, wider distribution, and a continued focus on education, the brand remains the standard of quality for finishers and artisans worldwide.
MADE FOR MAKERS WHO KNOw THEIR CRAFT
When precision, consistency, and depth of color matter most, professionals turn to TransTint®. Designed for expert use and trusted worldwide, each dye is formulated to deliver brilliant, repeatable results on every surface, from furniture and cabinets to musical instruments and fine woodworking.
Highly Concentrated
A small amount goes a long way. One 2 oz. bottle can produce up to two quarts of vibrant, ready-to-use dye.
Bold, Mixable Colors
Blend any of the 18 available shades to achieve custom tones and perfect color matches for every project.
Professional Clarity
Achieve rich, even color without clouding the grain, creating a flawless, professional finish every time.
Versatile Applications
Works seamlessly on furniture, cabinetry, guitars, flooring, and restoration pieces, wherever true color precision is required.
Made in the USA
Professional-Grade Quality
Engineered for Clarity and Depth
The TransTint®Palette
Explore the full range of TransTint® colors and finishes, each designed for precision and unmatched vibrancy
HOW TO USE TransTint®
Achieving rich, professional color is straightforward. TransTint® dyes are engineered to adapt seamlessly to your unique workflow, giving you complete control no matter what you are creating. Whether you are finishing fine instruments, refreshing cabinetry, building custom furniture, or tackling detailed restoration work, these versatile dyes deliver consistent saturation and stunning clarity.
As a Stain
Mix 1 oz. of TransTint® with 1 quart of any of the following:
- General Finishes Dye Reducer
- General Finishes Natural Water Based Wood Stain
- Water
- Denatured alcohol
- Acetone
This combination penetrates deeply, highlights natural grain patterns, and delivers rich color that can be layered or left as a standalone stain.
As a Toner
Mix 1 oz. of TransTint® with 1 quart of:
- General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat Shellac
- Solvent based finishes
- All of General Finishes Enduro Topcoats
This creates a controllable toner that allows you to add color between coats, adjust hue, or blend tones to achieve uniformity and precision.
Important Usage Reminder
Always test before use. Every wood species absorbs color differently, and your dilution ratios, application method, and chosen finish will all influence the final appearance. Even small adjustments can affect tone, depth, adhesion, and overall clarity. By testing on a scrap piece or an inconspicuous area first, you can confirm the exact color outcome, ensure compatibility between products, and avoid unexpected results before committing to your full project.
How to contact us
Shop Online
Browse the complete TransTint® color collection on our verified Amazon storefront. Both 2 oz bottles and 16 oz shop sizes are available online, with fast shipping, secure checkout, and the same trusted formulation used by woodworkers and manufacturers everywhere.
Find a Local Dealer
If you prefer to shop in person, visit an authorized TransTint® retailer near you. Local stores carry our 2 oz bottles, perfect for hobbyists, makers, luthiers, and professional finishers.
Connect With Our Team
Have questions about color selection or application techniques? Reach out below. We’re here to help you choose the right approach and achieve the finish you envision.
The Perfect pairing
General Finishes offers stain bases and top coats that pair seamlessly with TransTint® dyes, making it easier than ever for makers, manufacturers, and craftsmen to achieve consistent, repeatable, and customizable results. Together, these products expand your creative range while maintaining professional grade performance across every project.
TransTint® liquid dyes from General Finishes are professional-grade colorants trusted by woodworkers, cabinet makers, luthiers, and finishers around the world. With versatile application options and a wide color range, TransTint® provides unmatched clarity, depth, and performance for projects of every scale.
