Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Oct 12, 2011 08:34am | #1

   "Classic" cherry looks that

   "Classic" cherry looks that way because that's what cherry heartwood looks like after it has had a few years exposure to light.  If you try to get there immediately using stain in a couple of years you may find that the color is way too dark.  Worse, you run the risk of loosing the interesting character of cherry wood.  Lots of cherry kitchens could just as well be made from maple or birch with so much pigment obscuring the wood grain that it would make little difference.  Commercial cherry is often so darkly stained {or toned and/or glazed} so the manufacturer doesn't have to match the woods or eliminate the sapwood.

   One method that works is to "sunburn" the project just before finishing.  Set in the sun for several clement days can darken cherry quite noticeably--be sure to turn it so it gets even sun. Then, a coat of linseed oil will darken and reveal the figure more clearly. Then, a coat of garnet shellac will add a little more color and interest.  Topcoat depending on the expected usage;  Be careful not to leave objects setting on cherry for long periods until they are severa[ years old to avoid light shadows.

   If tests of the minimalist pattern Ilve suggested don't satisfy and you still want a darker finish, I'd recommend using a powdered water soluble dye instead of stain. TheW.D. Lockwood company makes a number of shades that you could try.  But you have to do your own tests before finishing the project.  Everyone has their own idea of what looks "right", and everyones wood differs somewhat. 

2. 
   SteveSchoene | Oct 12, 2011 08:34am | #2

   "Classic" cherry looks that

   "Classic" cherry looks that way because that's what cherry heartwood looks like after it has had a few years exposure to light.  If you try to get there immediately using stain in a couple of years you may find that the color is way too dark.  Worse, you run the risk of loosing the interesting character of cherry wood.  Lots of cherry kitchens could just as well be made from maple or birch with so much pigment obscuring the wood grain that it would make little difference.  Commercial cherry is often so darkly stained {or toned and/or glazed} so the manufacturer doesn't have to match the woods or eliminate the sapwood.

   One method that works is to "sunburn" the project just before finishing.  Set in the sun for several clement days can darken cherry quite noticeably--be sure to turn it so it gets even sun. Then, a coat of linseed oil will darken and reveal the figure more clearly. Then, a coat of garnet shellac will add a little more color and interest.  Topcoat depending on the expected usage;  Be careful not to leave objects setting on cherry for long periods until they are severa[ years old to avoid light shadows.

   If tests of the minimalist pattern Ilve suggested don't satisfy and you still want a darker finish, I'd recommend using a powdered water soluble dye instead of stain. TheW.D. Lockwood company makes a number of shades that you could try.  But you have to do your own tests before finishing the project.  Everyone has their own idea of what looks "right", and everyones wood differs somewhat. 

3. 
   Willie | Oct 12, 2011 04:05pm | #3

   i absolutely second the sunburn method with Cherry and also the fact that it is criminal to stain Cherry in my opinion.

   Be careful purchasing Cherry lumber though, there are lots of young tree wood in the market with poor color.

   Attached is a picture of cabinets done about 3 months ago, They were set in the sun about 6 days prior to getting a clear finish, it happens real fast. Excuse my dog.

   Sorry, I can't help you with the staining question, I call that "painting" and I don't "paint" expensive hard woods, but rather select the species to give me the color, exactly the way nature made it. That's just me though, the Chinese will strongly disagree as everything coming from there is "painted'.