[PsychMan]

The colron water based dyes are ok with sanding sealer. The only trouble is they dont penetrate the wood very well, so any sanding after using the sealer is very risky. I found I was very easily going through the sealer and removing the stain.

It sounds like this was originally painted with a coloured varnish, maybe you could use that and leave out the sanding sealer? As this was previously finished, and sanded back, I wouldnt have thought you'd need the sealer actually?

Best Regards
Adam