I am searching for a quick way to duplicate the silver gray color that teak acquires when it is left to weather naturally outdoors. I need to produce a sample for an indoor architectural job that requires reproducing the color of a piece of teak I have that has been hanging around outdoors for a couple of years. There has never been any stain or finish applied to the sample piece, and, in my experience, so far,at least, reproducing that color and look with stains and dyes has proven elusive. I’m thinking that some chemical process, perhaps, that would affect wood color without applying stains to the surface must be what I need, but I haven’t found the solution yet. I would appreciate hearing what thoughts might be around on the subject. Thanks.
Discussion Forum
Get It All!
UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.
Start Your Free TrialCategories
Discussion Forum
Digital Plans Library
Member exclusive! – Plans for everyone – from beginners to experts – right at your fingertips.
Highlights
-
Shape Your Skills
when you sign up for our emails
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. -
Shop Talk Live Podcast -
Our favorite articles and videos -
E-Learning Courses from Fine Woodworking
-
-
Replies
My guess is that it will involve oxidizing the wood surface. The color you seek is probably the color of oxidized celulose; try different bleaches.
Thanks for the suggestion. I've been trying different bleaches with some success, but haven't quite hit it yet. I will get there eventually, however, as I think that that is the right direction.
Ray
Cabot's makes, or made, a bleaching stain. It had some gray pigment in it to get the initial color, and a bleach that would accelerate the natural ageing process. If memory serves, the stain had to be wetted occasionally to initiate the bleaching action, no problem on areas exposed to the rain but you had to wet the protected areas, such as under the eaves, with a hose occasionally.
You might try wetting the wood and exposing it to a strong UV light source such as a tanning bulb-be sure to protect your eyes and skin from the UV light.
John W.
A UV light source is an idea I've been knocking about myself, along with wetting the wood repeatedly to simulate outdoor conditions. I haven't heard about that stain from Cabot's, but that's worth exploring too. Thanks.
Ray
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled