Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Oct 26, 2006 04:33pm | #1

   Kobler,

   The easiest way to even out sap wood is by using a water dye. You'll need to make a few samples but here's how you do it;

   Prepare your wood by sanding, wetting to raise the grain and sanding again. You can use Trans Tints dyes or mix your own. A trick when mixing your color or diluting the Trans Tints to the proper strength is to have a small piece of white Formica or melamine. If that's not available, you can use a paper plate that has a coat of shellac wiped on to prevent penetration.

   While mixing your dye you can dab some on the formica and spread it in a circle about the size of a half dollar ( remember those?) This will clearly show you the coloring strength of your mix. If too light, simply add more color. If too dark, dilute it a bit.

   Have a good size sample or two of the wood to practice on. Dampen the wood slightly and apply some of your dye to the sapwood.I usually use a piece of old cotton tee shirt for the application. It's easy to control the amount and spread of the dye. If you think you need to add more color, do so before it completely evaporates.  The goal is to get the two areas to blend not necessarily be an exact match. You can also have a little fun here. You can make the sapwood more of a golden brown. After it dries you can use whatever stain you choose right over the top of it. When the stain dries, a quick coat of sealer like shellac will give you the results.

   Take the time to make samples. It will be a good learning tool and the best time you'll spend. It takes the guess work out of the equation.

   Have fun,

   Peter Gedrys 

    

    

    

1. 
   Kobler | Oct 26, 2006 05:41pm | #2

   Thank you very much!