What is the best way to color birch bark? (As a bow backing?)

[Aesthetics43560]

So, I ordered some paper birch bark.

Id like to dye it a dark red or burgundy. What is the most foolproof way to do this without messing it up?

Im assuming acrylic paint wont do the trick.




Also sidse question:

What is the best way to apply birch bark on the back to withstand stretching? Is it ok to apply it on each limb as one solid piece or should it be applied in pieces/squares to allow for stretching?

[BowEd]

Birch bark backing will stretch as 1 long piece just as well as a snake skin backing.I used titebond 3 glue.As far as dye goes fiebings leather dye does a nice job of dyeing wood and I'm sure birch bark also.Just make sure all remnants of glue used to apply the birch bark are gone as dye does not penetrate that.
I have fixed bad cuts and dings on birch bark backing with mixed matching acrylic paint.
PM me if you like as I have birch bark in lengths made that could work for you.

[mullet]

I'd use leather dye.