How does iron nitrate compare to aniline dyes for staining a rifle stock?

Aniline dyes require layering multiple colors to build up the look a builder wants, and some very accomplished builders use them successfully. Iron nitrate is more traditional, does not fade, and gives a strong, uniform color. Aniline dyes are also less light fast over time, meaning they tend to fade more than a chemical stain like iron nitrate, though some aniline dyes hold up better than others.