Replies

1. 
   fivebirdscustom | Jul 03, 2020 11:38pm | #1

   Boiled linseed oil and/or amber shellac are my favorites. I find they really accentuate the grain nicely. They do impart a nice amber tone.

   If you are going for pop that's clear, I like blonde shellac.

   If you want a top finish stronger than shellac, you could always top coat with about anything. But,. i find fresher mixed shellac holds up to a lot.

2. 
   john_c2 | Jul 04, 2020 04:59am | #2

   It depends on if you want the maple light or dark. If light, then shellac, either blonde, or amber for more pop, but darker. For even more pop, but darker, I like some analine dye first. It gives an antique maple look.

3. 
   flyfisher111 | Jul 04, 2020 05:14pm | #3

   I agree with John, a little analine dye first. Dilute it a lot, and you can sneak up on the color you want with successive applications. Try it on a test scrap first because it will darken when the finish is applied.

4. 
   john_c2 | Jul 04, 2020 06:44pm | #4

   Also, I sand figured wood to a much finer grit than nonfigured. The course the grit, the more the figure is obscured. I usually stop at 220 for wood before the first coat of finish, but I'll go to 600 for nicely figured pieces.

5. 
   geedubbee | Jul 05, 2020 02:17pm | #5

   First pic is a one pound shellac flood followed by thin coats of a two pound cut.

   Following pics are of multiple colors of dye, same piece, sanded back between colors and then sealed with clear, de-waxed shellac.