Most Cost Effective Means of Dyeing

[Gosut]

Have finally dyed the belt. Unfortunately, it took far more than I anticipated. Most of the dye used went to waste. I applied it with a stain/varnish spouge brush that wasn't as dense as I anticipated. I went over all sides once except for areas that didn't receive dye. I lost way too much dye on the craft paper I'm using as a cover where it spilled from the sponge. Tried to use as much of that as I could, but it was still a waste. No waste on the ground where I applied the dye to the sponge, though.

Looking in the small bottle (Fiebing's Dark Brown Pro Dye), I've used way too much of it. I got the small bottle because of expense, but now wondering if dip dye would have resulted in less waste. Looking at how much I used, thought "I'm going to have to go to vinegaroon."

Will see how well it evens out. I have a suspicion that I applied it unevenly.

Any suggestions on a more cost effective way to apply dye? Already thinking I need to look for a high density sponge if I continue to use this method. Then again, I thought these brushes were high density sponges when I bought them.