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suggestions for matching existing cabinets
Finishing is probably my least favorite part of a project and I try to stick with a a one size fits all type solutions, consequently this one has got me stumped. I have a relatively older kitchen cabinets to which I want to make some additions. Trying to add bookshelves at both ends of the island. The wood looks like plain old Red Oak to me, but also mixed in is birch ply which is stained to look like red oak. So I went to HD and got me a can of red oak and tried it on some of the shelves I took off (so the wood is the same). Well its not even close, slightly redder and much darker. The picture below will probably not come out well on a computer screen, but I wanted to ask what is a typical approach one would take if you are trying to match an old finish whose source you do not know.
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When I look at this image online it looks darker than the actual color
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I think I am getting close
So after some alchemy and trial with dyes this is what I ended up with. Look at the sample stick against the cabinets. Interesting thing is as I move the stick around two colors stand out as good matches, second from left and the right most. It's either the lighting or the difference in how the stain was originally applied but it seems various locations in the kitchen have subtle differences in color of wood. The right most patch looks the closest match against dark areas and the second from left patch in lighter areas.
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I have applied Deft brush on lacquer as the top coat to get the full cycle. But I was surprised at how much the Birch soaks up finish despite having applied wood conditioner before applying stain. I applied three very wet coats, the first two got fully absorbed in the wood. I am wondering applying a spray lacquer is a smart choice on Birch. Any ideas with regard to applying the lacquer top coat? How about if I apply a couple layers with brush and then make the final coat a spray finish.