Ok guys, what's the best way to get hard maple to look like fresh cut cherry? I have a customer that wants that color but doesn't want it to darken over time. I tend to like General Finish products the best, so if possible.
Ok guys, what's the best way to get hard maple to look like fresh cut cherry? I have a customer that wants that color but doesn't want it to darken over time. I tend to like General Finish products the best, so if possible.
You might try Garnet Shelac on a test piece.
Bruce
Water soluable dye followed by de-waxed garnet shellac and your topcoat of choice. Works great on poplar, too...I've done it a lot. Work out the regimen on scrap of the same cherry until you get the effect you want. You MUST do all the steps on your tests as your clear coating will also affect color. Keep records...
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
If available, you might look at red birch as a cherry substitute. I used it in my kitchen, and while the figure is a bit different the color is almost exactly the same as fresh cherry but no stain was needed. (I used some oiled cherry as a island top--it started out a close match, and now, as expected, offers a nice contrast.)
Thanks guys. I guess I got my work cut out for me on this one...already got the maple so different wood choice is out.