I use those alcohol based Fiebings leather dyes to dye my bamboo, but the guy at Tandy told me he thought they were going to stop making it. He said they already can't sell it in 30 states, and more states are being added to the list, so he figures they'll go to water based dyes. That's a bummer. I have noticed, though, that when I use the alcohol based dye on leather, it makes the leather hard. I have a hard time getting an even coat with it anyway. I like the antique better because although I can't get as many colours, I find it easier to use, and I like the way it looks.