Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Jan 18, 2007 12:27am | #1

   Since wax over linseed oil provides only minimal protection from UV rays, put the desk in strong sunlight for a week before applying the finish. It will continue to darken at his/her home.

   Expert since 10 am.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 1/17/2007 4:28 pm ET by jackplane

2. 
   JeffHeath | Jan 18, 2007 12:35am | #2

   Finishes with strong uv blockers are only going to help so much.  Cherry never stops the "patina" process.  As it ages,  it continues to darken.  If that desk is in direct sunlight, and has a computer sitting on it, the outline of the computer will be visible on the desktop when it's removed.

   Wax and linseed oil will do very little to prevent this.

   Jeff

3. 
   citrouille | Jan 18, 2007 01:10am | #3

   Lye will do what you want, you can make your own with hardwood ashes.
   Do a test with some Drano mixed with water or some oven cleaner but if you are satisfied with the result I would recommend that you make it yourself to be sure taht you are using only lye.

   C.

4. 
   fussy | Jan 18, 2007 03:18am | #4

   Apply your blo, then put it in the sun for a few days.  Turn it occasionally to balance exposure.  You'll achieve about 80% of the darkening process.  The rest should be subtle.  Advise the client to move the monitor around every once in a while to keep it even.  Should be beautiful.  I've tried this a couple of times, and it works fine.  Try it on a piece of scrap and see what it does.

    

1. 
   Shavingsandsawdust | Jan 18, 2007 05:45am | #6

   That was going to be my fall back strategy, but not being super familiar with cherry I didn't know how long of exposure it would take to develop the color. Now if I could just do something about my uv filtering glass in my windows. Thx.

1. 
   fussy | Jan 18, 2007 06:38am | #8

   It won't take long.  A few hours makes a world of difference.  When you try a piece of scrap from the wood used for the desk, put a piece of masking tape on it, then remove it to check your progress.  You'll be amazed at how fast the transformation occurs. 

   Two ways to keep your wife happy:

   1. Let her think she's having her own way.

   2. Let her have her own way.

5. 
   Llettingo | Jan 18, 2007 05:06am | #5

   Oh, my mistake: I thought the title was the name of a new band.

1. 
   Shavingsandsawdust | Jan 18, 2007 05:49am | #7

   It is. Their instruments are a marimba made from old plane irons and a selection of concert-tuned saws.