Ah, no

Van Dyke in my lexicon is a preparation of dried concentrated walnut extract
which is made up with water and applied with a brush.  It’s particularly useful
in old work, as it can be washed onto almost anything, and can be made more or
less concentrated to colour (color new work, or you can recoat.  It also comes
mostly off with water, and being a water base, can be overcoated with a thin
shellac layer to even out the underlying colour of finishes.  When applied on
top of an initial thin coat of pale shellac it can be splashed around until
you’re happy, and removed if necessary to restart.

In the present case, where the work had been planed down beforehand, I suggested
some colour as a way of bringing the overall appearance to a a homogenous
colour, and making any filled worm holes and exposed tunnels less prominent.
Mark’s view of what he wants is probably different though.

Anyway - Van Dyke crystals 
http://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/product/vandyke-crystals 

eco friendly. pleasantly old fashioned, and very adaptable. 


Enjoy!

R