Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Jan 26, 2003 08:18am | #1

   Buy some Tried and True and test before you commit to it. Some people have reported here that it takes weeks for one coat to cure in their shops, if it ever cures. Others say it works just like the directions say it will. You might want to search the archives for Tried and True. (Use the Advanced Search, near the top of the left hand frame, not the other search button near the bottom.)

2. 
   jonsherryl | Jan 27, 2003 01:02am | #2

   Tom, if what you are making from this antique chestnut isn't too large, I'd recommend that you fume the completed piece before you apply any stains or top coat finishes.

   Chestnut contains tannin and ammonia will "age" the newly milled surfaces, giving the wood a more uniform patina. You don't need to "gas it to death"...Just put it in an enclosed area (if it's small enough, you can put it in a plastic trash bag) along with an open tray (pie tin or saucer) of ordinary, non sudsing household ammonia. Shouldn't take more than a day or two to give the wood a mellow tan color.

   Experiment with some scraps and you'll quickly get a feel for how to control the process. Ammonia tends to give chestnut a slightly grayish hue. If you don't like the color, you can then doctor it up with whatever stain you like, but at least you'll be starting off with a uniformly pigmented raw surface. The ammonia, being a gas, discipates, so once you let the piece air out thoroughly, it shouldn't interfere with subsequent finishing materials.