Enhanced staining color

Re: Enhanced staining color

David Walser

I don't recall the post, but I'm familiar with the technique. Some woods, such as cherry, do not take stain evenly and prone to blotching. To avoid this, some woodworkers partially seal the wood with shellac. When it works, it works. When it doesn't, it's apt to make things worse. (Think about it: If you put too much shellac on, the wood won't absorb any stain. If you put on too little, you'll still end up with blotching. But, if you're Goldilocks, you'll get the finish you desire. Takes practice to get it right.)

Instead, try wood stain conditioner, preferably the one sold by the maker of the stain you're using. You're much more likely to get a good result.

HTH

Are you asking about finishing turnings?

Re: Are you asking about finishing turnings?

Hal Taylor

In the end yes. It may not have been on WC, but I remember a post where it was shown that treating the wood first before coloring enhanced the colors. The poster had treated and untreated boards which showed how much better the color looked. Wish I could remember...

Re: Are you asking about finishing turnings? *LINK*

David Walser

Hal -- Are you sure it was a post to a forum? The reason I ask is that I vaguely recall several articles on the topic in a magazines -- most likely Wood or Woodworker's Journal. I've subscribed to several magazines over the years, but those two were the ones I've subscribed to for the longest.

I know I've seen an article that compared and showed results from different methods of preventing problems when staining wood. One of those methods was sealing the wood with shellac. Like you, I just cannot recall where I saw the article.

Here's a link to one such article out of Woodworker's Journal. It's from 2014 and does not have the pictures that ran with the original, but the text does a very good job of explaining your options.


APPLYING FINISHES TO SOFTWOODS

Re: Are you asking about finishing turnings?

don stephan

What do you mean by "enhanced colors?" Cherry is one of the woods that has some areas more absorptive than others. Spray on a stain and the color is uniform because the thirsty areas don't get to absorb more. Wipe on a stain, or even just boiled linseed oil, on raw cherry and you will see uneven color. I find that makes cherry more attractive, others want a uniform look.

You might be thinking of what is sometimes called a "spit coat" or "wash coat" of thinned shellac to partially seal the entire surface, minimizing uneven color, but the wood will have a lighter overall color because it doesn't absorb as much.

You might look at the articles section of Jeff Jewitt's web site www.homesteadfinishingproducts.com - if you find his articles helpful consider getting materials from him.

Shellac before dye? Not going to work

Dick Coers

I guess I can't tell if you are talking about a stain controller. If you apply a coat of shellac before applying water based dye to the wood, I think you will be greatly disappointed. Alcohol may bite, but the color will not penetrate well with an alcohol dye. If you want an even color with dye, use an air brush to apply it and do not wipe it off.

Re: Enhanced staining color

Hal Taylor

Thanks for your thoughts. I WILL find the article at some point and will let you know when I do.

Re: Enhanced staining color

mjonesrdg

Remember.....there's a big difference between wood stains, and dyes.

Re: Enhanced staining color

John Stegall

Hal, FWW had several articles about this. One by Chris Minick from 1995 sounds similar to what you were saying. Another more recent issue just had a Q&A. That one suggested mixing different strengths of shellac in strips on a sample of the same type of wood. Then stain over the strips and see which one works best.

Re: Enhanced staining color

Hal Taylor

Thanks John, I'll check it out.