I turned a poplar crotch bowl that has some nice figure, but the color of the wood, especially around the feathered figure is varied with a grayish cast and some almost black streaking (perhaps mineral streaking?) so I'm trying to figure out how to finish this piece. I put a coat of BLO on to see what it looks like and it just makes the dark area look a bit muddy.
I'm thinking about using Transtint dyes, perhaps a red or brown, but I have no idea how it will look once a finish is on it. I've also thought amber shellac might be good, but I'm just not sure.
Any input on dealing with Poplar with these issues would be appreciated.
Jake