Replies

1. 
   jazzdogg | Dec 25, 2003 12:08am | #1

   Dave,

   Are you sure you've selected the correct forum to ask this question?

   Sounds like it may be one of those inquiries better directed to "Poplar Woodworking" (sorry - I couldn't resist).

   In order to know what kind of finish to recommend, it would be helpful to know what kinds of results you're looking for. Durability? Appearance? Color. Sheen?

   There's nothing particularly remarkable about poplar  - you can use the same finishing routine you'd select for virtually any other softwood.

   Good luck,
   Paul

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
1. 
   davearnone | Dec 25, 2003 12:47am | #2

   Paul, thanks for responding.  My preference is to wipe on some oil/varnish mixture and be done with it.  It's only going in the garage.

   But the poplar has a lot of darker green tones.  I'd like to get a more uniform color.  I've never had great success finishing softwoods.

   any suggestions would be appreciatedthanksdave

2. 
   jvs | Dec 25, 2003 01:41am | #3

   One word... "paint." :)

   With that out of the way, poplar takes a bunch of stains fairly well, you just need to pick one that will tint it past the green cast. I don't know of any way to remove that and leave it light, but for the shop, it shouldn't matter.

   /jvs

   postscript--did I mention "paint?"

1. 
   davearnone | Dec 25, 2003 02:07am | #4

   maybe i'm not quite clear . . . did you say paint?

2. 
   Sphere | Dec 25, 2003 02:34am | #5

   used dirty motor oil..put it on EVERYTHING...'cept your salad.

3. 
   MikeRooney | Dec 25, 2003 04:02am | #6

     Shellac or lacquer would be a simple finish. If you really can't take the green; aniline dye or like the man said: "paint".

    

1. 
   davearnone | Dec 25, 2003 04:14am | #7

   Since i live in CA i could get in a lot of trouble for not getting a permit from the county to apply used motor oil.  so i bit the bullet and smeared on some old cherry gel stain i found in the garage.  looks pretty nice, just a little darker than i'd hoped.

   thx everyonemerry xmasdave

1. 
   Tao | Dec 25, 2003 06:49am | #8

   That poplar green turns brown with age, but you still have to deal with the difference between the cream colored wood and the brown. 

   Sounds like you found an acceptable solution.

4. 
   JerBear | Dec 25, 2003 06:56pm | #9

   jvs is right.  Poplar can be very green and has to be evened out with stain.  The darker ones would probably work better, or try dying it.  Poplar is usually painted.  It's about all I ever use when I make painted furniture, that or "soft" maple.  It's a good wood, an industry standard.

5. 
   Paul_Snyder | Dec 27, 2003 01:47am | #10

   When I have to color poplar I like to use dye; to me dye looks better than any stain I've tried. Here's a color sample using a medium brown (reddish brown) dye;

   View Image
   Dye on Poplar

   Paul

1. 
   davearnone | Dec 27, 2003 03:35am | #11

   thanks paul.

   dave