Fininsh for Pear wood

[Udi Sarfati]

Can I ask for two advises in one post?

I'm building a frame for a jigsaw puzzle from Pear wood.

Which finish would you recomend:
1. Shellac
2. Wax
3. No finish
4. Other finish?

I want to make the joints appear darker. How?
1. Yellow glue
2. Color Putty
3. Other option?

Thanks,
Udi

[George Gyulatyan]

I want to make the joints appear darker. How?
1. Yellow glue
2. Color Putty
3. Other option?

Thanks,
Udi

By darker I assume it's because you want to accentuate the joints correct? In which case I'd go with 3. Other option...

I'd slightly roundover each piece at the joints, to give the joint more of a relief, similar to what you have on the puzzle pieces.

[Howard Acheson]

Titebond makes a "Dark" formulation of their TB11. It's intended to minimize the visibility of the glue joint in dark woods but would certainly work to highlight the joint too.

Here is something from the Titebond web site:

How to properly add dye to Titebond Wood Glues:

It is possible to change the color of aliphatic resin glues by using aniline-based dyes. Using a drop or two of water, work the powdered dye into a paste before adding to the glue. This helps to prevent lumps in the glue. Start by adding a small amount of the dye because a small amount can significantly alter the color. Before making your final color decision, be sure to let a sample of the dyed glue dry. When the mixtures dry they may look different from the wet state.