Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Aug 04, 2007 05:25am | #1

   You can apply a second coat, of a browner color (a walnut, perhaps) but I don't really recommend it unless you have already put stain on the project instead of on test boards.  Gel stains remain on the surface, and when you start to build coats you obscure a lot of the grain.  To get a really dark color it's best to start with a dye on the bare wood.  After sealing the dye, you can add a stain to add depth to the finish. 

2. 
   BruceS | Aug 04, 2007 03:04pm | #2

   I use Gell stains for touch up work.  And blend them to match. Woodcote is my prefered brand.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

3. 
   Kevin | Aug 04, 2007 07:38pm | #3

   Is there a simple way? Yes and no. If you have access to 844 pigments then it'd be easy. Pthalo Green would neutralize the red and create a browner look and Lamp Black would darken.

   Without having access to the colorants I'd say that Bruce's mixing and matching suggestion is probably your best bet.

   If you're wanting to do very much modifying of colors and aren't familiar with color theory then I would strongly suggest getting ahold of a color wheel. Colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel will neutralize each other and produce a brown. To moderate how much a color will be neutralized just add more or less of it's opposite color. In very general terms, adding black will darken and desaturate (less vivid/brilliant colors) and white will both lighten and pastel.

   The other approach is to layer your colors by going with a two-step finish as Steve suggested. You can use the same color theory approach by layering. For example a blend of green and black dye applied to the wood before the gel stain is put on would have a similar effect to modifying the gel stain itself. Of you could go over the gel stain by making a dye-based toner and spraying it on. But in terms of simple and easy I think Bruce's suggestion is easily the lowest tech solution. It's not going to be as versatile as these other solutions but it would be simple and easy.

   Hope that helps.