Peter,
I am dyeing and staining some solid mahogany and I am encountering the “barber pole” effect where the colour appears lighter when viewed at different angles.
Could you please explain why this occurs sometimes (to me) and not at other times (everyone else). There isn’t a lot of discussion about this problem and I’m starting to wonder if it is all in my head.
I have been told by a very highly regarded finisher that the only solution is to spray the colour instead of wiping it. Unfortunately spraying is not an option, I don’t have the space.
Do you have any ideas?
Regards,
Brian
Replies
Brian,
Are you talking about chatoyance? That is the natural shimmer in wood that makes it so attractive.
Dyed mahogany will show this in a striking manner and is considered part of it's natural beauty.
I assume you are using alcohol dyes and that was the one you were advised to spray. Alcohol dyes should be sprayed because they dry so fast in a hand application that they are quite prone to streaking
An easy fix is to use a water dye. They are easier to control when padding or brushing. Just wet the wood once prior to the final sanding to raise the grain and then do your final sanding.
BTW which side of the pond are you on?
Peter
G'day Peter,
Chatoyance is exactly what I am talking about. Now I know what it is called.
The project I'm doing is a set of Arts & Crafts style chairs and I had originally envisaged a straightforward, good looking, no frills finish.
I am applying a water based dye by hand, sealing and then glazing with a pigment based wiping stain. I believe the idea of spraying was to keep the dye more on the surface of the wood and lessening penetration.
I'm in Melbourne, Australia.
Regards,
Brian
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