LEATHER DYE or that potassium peranfanate stuff

Another vote for potassium permaganate!

I'd rather do it the natural way.
Once you put on dye or stain there is no going back. If it isn't right you're stuck with it.
Easy to change or manipulate pine tar and bark, the way the animal colored them.

As stated too, next time wrap the bases in foil or put a layer between them and the pot of simmering water. That way just a little bit of smutz forms you can rinse off and not take off the color.