Replies

1. 
   Fingrs | Feb 19, 2004 11:47pm | #1

   Yo.  I've heard that purpleheart will lose its color if not finished in a UV-resistant finish.  However, I have some purpleheart that's be floating around my shop for about 8 years and it's not changed color at all.  Go figure.

1. 
   jonsherryl | Feb 20, 2004 01:00am | #2

   Lofton, would I be right in guessing that your shop is lit with florescent lighting...and, like a typical basement shop, remains relatively dark when not in use? I suspect your purpleheart's color is holding up so well, primarily because it isn't getting a lot of UV.

   A UV blocking varnish will retard purpleheart from developing it's reddish brown, long term patina, but nothing really does the trick forever. This is bad news if the only reason you're using the wood is for its vivid purple color, but the long term patina it develops is also very attractive.

1. 
   Fingrs | Feb 20, 2004 07:33am | #5

   Very true, Jon.  The basement does not get a lot of natural sunlight.  However, there is enough light to give cherry a good "sunburn" ("tan lines"?)  if I am not careful.  But then, I do not have the slighest idea what wavelengths of light affect what types of wood... 

1. 
   Elcoholic | Feb 20, 2004 11:53pm | #6

   Beadvised that the UV protection in the finish wears out.  I've heard of people using automotive UV protectant products once or twice a year.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

2. 
   aksophie | Feb 20, 2004 01:15am | #3

   As Jon Arno said, the patina will eventually form and out goes the purple. I solved this dilemma once by shelving the purpleheart and used some philipine mahogany with a purple oil stain. The piece is still the same color after 10 years.

3. 
   PlaneWood | Feb 20, 2004 06:52am | #4

   If you use a varnish with UV blockers (or poly) I think it will last long enough, especially if kept indoors like over a mantle.  I presume your grandfathr is still alive?  I think purpleheart would be the fitting wood to use for such a honored veteran.  

   Purple heart is pretty open grained so do lots of sanding and use several filler coats.  Using high gloss poly, buffing with 0000 steel wool and lastly a power buffer or hand buffing will give a nice finish.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
   PlaneWood