Keeping workbench clean

[AmyK]

Wondering what you guys use to cover your workbenches when dyeing? I’ve been using brown paper bags but it’s a mess, still have to put down garbage bag below it etc. 

Is anyone using anything washable? Like a silicone mat?

Or are there any surfaces you’d recommend, since I’m going to build my own workbench this summer? There’s some cast off granite countertop coming my way - it’s ugly already and I don’t care if I stain it. Need to find something that either doesn’t absorb the dye, or just doesn’t release it again onto future projects. Honestly, maybe glass? I could certainly set up a separate table with some glass on it for this. 

What do you think? 

[Rockoboy]

I have, in the past, and will continue in the future to use cardboard. After staining or applying a finish, the object is hung up or placed to dry. The cardboard is placed out of the way, so it can dry, then be used again at another time.

Of course, it can be thrown away if it becomes to badly affected by moisture etc.

On the small amount of dyeing and finishing I have done, I have had no problems.

Edited March 27, 2019 by Rockoboy

[Matt S]

Beltmaker I used to know kept a dedicated dye bench. It was just a large old glass shelf on four wooden legs. Wiped off easy whenever he was done. Only has to be slightly larger than the largest thing you commonly make.

[bermudahwin]

7 minutes ago, Matt S said:

Beltmaker I used to know kept a dedicated dye bench. It was just a large old glass shelf on four wooden legs. Wiped off easy whenever he was done. Only has to be slightly larger than the largest thing you commonly make.

Or a handy piece of toughened glass, with polished edges and rounded corners, to place between work bench and work... could be good for fine skiving too.

H

[AmyK]

11 minutes ago, Rockoboy said:

I have, in the past, and will continue in the future to use cardboard. After staining or applying a finish, the object is hung up or placed to dry. The cardboard is placed out of the way, so it can dry, then be used again at another time.

Of course, it can be thrown away if it becomes to badly affected by moisture etc.

On the small amount of dyeing and finishing I have done, I have had no problems.

I’ve had trouble with this, because when my cardboard or brown paper gets wet again the next time I use it, that color is transferred to my new project. 

[Rockoboy]

47 minutes ago, AmyK said:

when my cardboard or brown paper gets wet again the next time I use it, that color is transferred to my new project

Hmmmm ... I have not had this happen. I figured it was because the dye fully dried into the cardboard and I have never had any transfer.

I will definitely be more careful in the future, because I bet it will a vitally important piece where I 1st have it happen!

[battlemunky]

We get those annoying "free" "news"papers flung onto the driveway every week. They never have anything in them except ads. It's really littering IMO. In an act of rebellious retribution, I use them to line my dye table and just peel off the affected layers until its clean to dye on again. I've turned an annoyance into a supply.

[Hasbeencowboy]

For what it is worth, I use masking paper like that used in a body shop.  Bought a masking tool that applies the masking tape as the paper is unrolled.  It'll dry and or I throw the paper away when I am done dying, putting on sealer or conditioners

[AA3JW]

I use old newspapers. Have a bunch, and throw away after use. I have yet to get newsprint on my Item.

[fredk]

Same as the others. I use cardboard a lot. And sometimes free newspapers which drop thru my letter box. I've never had old dye transfer but I have had newsprint transfer occasionally - fortunately on the reverse side. I recently picked up some odd rolls of wallpaper being given away at a DiY store. They should do nicely when I don't have cardboard handy. All paper/card is put into the recycling bin when I'm done with it