I am going to try to dye a figured maple cabinet. I bought a oil base dye that i mixed with tung oil. My question is do i put on one coat of dye and then use clear tung oil for more protection or use a ploy? Do I sand between coats? I just don’t know really what to do after the dye goes on.
Thanks for any help dont really want to ruin this nice wood.
Replies
The steps that I use for a maple finish are:
1) Apply an aniline dye(pre-raise the grain). I like Transfast "Antique Cherry Brown".
2) A coat of 2-lb. cut dewaxed shellac
3) Sand lightly
4) Apply a glaze. I like Vandyke brown
5) Apply top coat of your choice of varnish, lacquer or poly
6) Sand lightly and apply additional coats of top finish as desired.
I've seen this method in a couple of books/magazines including "Great Wood Finishes" by Jeff Jewitt and a similar process for pine in American Woodworking Magazine Issue # 101, July 2003
Don
I have mixed color in with penetrating oils and have had good results. I have always followed up the first coat with clear oil since I achieved the color saturation I was after with the initial coat. I believe in oil finishes so I don't coat them with other materials. However, I am willing to accept the trade-offs.
I encourage you to read some books on finishing. I would also encourage you to try your finish on some scrap maple that has been prepared exactly like your current project.
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