Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Nov 21, 2003 05:11pm | #1

   If I'm not mistaken, potassium dichromate applied to wood will act as a deep green stain, if this is the effect you're looking for.

2. 
   ChipTam | Nov 21, 2003 08:18pm | #2

   I've experimented with PD on scraps of mahogany and can't say I really like the result very much.  It does darken the wood somewhat but, to my eye at least, makes the wood look lifeless.  Ok, that's not a very scientific complaint but, in any case, I've never gone ahead and used it on an actual piece.   Also, mahogany darkens so quickly naturally that you're not speeding up the process all that much.  Anyway, that's just my opinion.  I can't say what the effect of PD would be on the other species of wood in your project but experimenting with some scraps should tell you.

   Chip

3. 
   Gretchen | Nov 21, 2003 08:39pm | #3

   I would suggest you try it on individual scraps of the various woods. How else would you be able to predict what your final table will look like--and after all the labor!!!

   Gretchen
4. 
   ron61 | Nov 21, 2003 10:00pm | #4

   If you are wanting to bring the grain out there is nothing better than a couple coats BLO and top coat with what you like .

   I have not used Potassium Dichromate but seen Cherry and Mahogany stained with it and gives it a rich dark color looks great .

   This is from one of my Finishing Books by Jeff Jewitt " Hand Applied Finishes" Jeff has some Great books on Finishing.

   Potassium Dichromate is a chemical stain - very poisonous extreme care should be taken- darkens  tannin containing wood- brownish purple to medium reddish brown

   Ron

   Who Ever Has The Biggest Pile Of Tools When You Die Wins

1. 
   SDBaker | Nov 21, 2003 10:38pm | #5

   Thanks Ron and everybody else.  I built this table several years ago (just refinishing now) and no longer have the scraps, but I plan to test the potassium dichromate on the underside, which is walnut.  I have seen this used on David Marks show Woodworks on Mahogany with beautiful results.  I think it will work well on the cherry and mahogany and possibly the oak because of the tannin.  My main concern is what it will do to walnut.

1. 
   AlanTurner | Nov 21, 2003 11:46pm | #6

   PD I have used, but only on Mahogany.  The color is from  a chemical eraction.  When you mix it up, it will be a bright, watery orange.  I did three sets of French storm doors with this, and they are fine.  Good color.  No sun bleaching after 4+ years.  I tried it on cherry, just to play, and was not impressed.  I can't comment on what it will do to the other woods, but my guess is that it won't do much on the Walnut.  You should do this staining outside, with heavy duty gloves, and stay upwind.  This is nasty stuff.

   I have considered using it on interior furniture projects, as I use mahogany a fair amount, but decided not to becuase of the potential health issues.

   Alan

2. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Nov 23, 2003 05:28am | #7

   Hi Ron,

   One minor correction to your warning.

   Dichromate = hexavalent chromium = proven human carcinogen.

   eddie