I am making a project, that came from an old maple tree that we had removed a couple years ago. I salvaged a few sections of it, made some boards from it and let it dry. One of the sections I’m working with, actually shows a little bit of tiger figure in it. It isn’t highly figured, but its enough to add a little bit of extra character to the project.
I am trying to figure out, what would be the best way to pull out the figure in the wood. I don’t want to change the natural color, just let the little bit of tiger show through.
Should I use an aniline dye? An oil or water based stain? What color would be best for it? I will be finishing with a wipe-on poly.
Thanks
Dave
Replies
Natural Color
For the natural color = suggest using a Boiled Linseed Oil - I thin it a little with turps or mineral spirits - wipe it on and let it soak in - than thoroughly wipe it off within 20 minutes or so. Than wipe again to assure you get everything from the surface. Let dry several days and finish up with your wipe on poly. If you want to add color there are other choices like water based dyes or oil based dyes.
SA
Re: Natural Color
Will the Boiled Linseed Oil help enhancing the figure in the wood? I wasn't sure if it would "pull" the figure out of the wood. Mind you, it's not very figured, so I need something that would show it off, without coloring the wood itself.
Thanks
Dave
Amber color is what "pops"
Amber color is what "pops" the grain in wood. I makes little difference what you apply that has the amber color. Boiled linseed oil, real tung oil, shellac, aniline dye or amber pigment stain. All will enhance the figure in wood. But, all will cause an overall amber tone to be imparted to the wood. BLO will impart the most amber color, pure, real tung oil somewhat less and blonde shellac the least.
Test out your plans on some scrap of the same wood. It's the only way to really know it will come out.
BLO
Forgot to tell you - watch how you dispose of those rags with wet oil
SA
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