Hello Everyone,
i have a project that requires lots of plywood. Customer wants the finish color to mimic existing Oak stairs. Found the best way is to color the plywood prior to cutting it. However, my challenge is to achieve the oak color with an economic solution. Can I use alcohol based dye mixed with Shellac? If so, any recommendations on dye brands?
thanks,
DAG
Replies
The oak color isn't that hard with many different dye/stains, but the problem is that in my experience baltic birch doesn't take stain very well/evenly plus the grain won't match at all.
Why not make your life easier and just get oak faced plywood?
In addition to the above, sunlight will cause dye to fade. Even if you get it to match initially, it will fade over time.
You didn't mention what the proj is other than lots of plywood - this might give direction here and is a really important part of equation. I agree with above-using Oak plywood at outset has huge advantages. I personally would do that without any hesitation. I have used/applied Transtint dye/Shellac (a lot - then waxed buffed after) and it has very particular good look - but of course can be "damaged" unless your going to apply film finish like Poly etc. over.