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1. 
   peter28 | Oct 13, 2008 04:37pm | #1

   In a factory setting this was done with a toner. First the brown color was applied, then at the next station, someone with a spray gun applied a darker color over the top. This creates a basic two tone color.

   You can easily do the same thing with a glaze. A glaze is simply a color applied over a sealed surface.

   As an example; you can dye or stain the leg a light brown and let it dry. Next, seal the color. For this I would use two coats of SealCoat by Zinseer. It is dewaxed blonde shellac and is compatible with any brush-able topcoat. Sand the sealer lightly and remove any dust.

   Next is the glaze color. The most simple glaze can be done with a gel stain. Get a color darker than your base color. You can mix them together to make any color you want.

   Apply it with a soft rag, pad or brush to the areas you want to deepen. Let it sit for a minute or so and then blend it with a clean soft brush. You'll end up with a beautiful highlight. If you don't like what you see you can always wipe it off with a rag wet with a little paint thinner and start over. The paint thinner will not harm the shellac coat.

   You'll find in glazing less is more in the application. The less you put on the less blending you need to do.

   What colors you choose is the infinite part of the equation. In the photo there is dark over light. You can also use a light over a dark area to create a faded look.

   A good book to read about glazing principals is;

   Professional Painted Finishes be Ina Brosseau Marx and Allen Marx. Watson Gupthill publishers.

   A simple way to spray a toner is to buy them in aerosol cans. Homestead Finishing Supply and Woodworkers Supply are a couple of places you can find them.

   Out of the two techniques, glazing is the most forgiving. If you don't like what you see, it's easily reversed.

   Of course, make some sample pieces first to get the hang of it.

   Have fun.

   Peter