How handle sapwood in Walnut??

[Jerry Olexa]

I'm in the process of gluing up panels for a blanket chest for my daughter. I'm realizing that the back (inside) side of the panels will show when the chest is open and there is some sapwood there. Is there a relatively simple way to blend the sapwood into the darker natural Walnut color. I plan to BLO then pad on several coiats of shellac on the "good" walnut. (Possibly P&L #38 on the top). Any suggestions?? thanks. I guess I want the inside to look presentable even tho my daughter will probably end up using it as a toy box temporarily for our new grandaughter.

[Jim DeLaney]

I've used Van Dyke crystals (essentially ground up walnut hulls) dissolved in water. I put it on with a foam brush, and let it soak in. Depending on how 'white' the sap wood is, it make take several applications.

Gives a pretty good camo, I think.

[Earl Reid]

Back in 85 I made a blanket chest for our daughter from mis matched walnut with a fair amount of sapwood, I think it is the most beautiful thing I have ever made. It has aged very well. I have also used cerry sap wood when making other pieces of furniture and have recieved several blue ribbons and best of shows. Just my preference

Earl

[Jerry Olexa]

I've used Van Dyke crystals (essentially ground up walnut hulls) dissolved in water. I put it on with a foam brush, and let it soak in. Depending on how 'white' the sap wood is, it make take several applications.

Gives a pretty good camo, I think.

Thanks Jim Where can I get/find and buy those crystals?? Good idea...

[Jerry Olexa]

Back in 85 I made a blanket chest for our daughter from mis matched walnut with a fair amount of sapwood, I think it is the most beautiful thing I have ever made. It has aged very well. I have also used cerry sap wood when making other pieces of furniture and have recieved several blue ribbons and best of shows. Just my preference

Earl

Earl: how did you finish those pieces? No special attention to the sapwood?? By any chance, do you have pictures?? Thanks, Earl

[Don Baer]

Jerry,
Sam Maloof actually looks for walnut with sap wood in it, he says it add charcter to the pieces he makes. He just finishes with his secret sauce. (1/3 BLO,1/3 Tung Oil. 1/3 wipe on poly).

[Carl Eyman]

Wrote an article in the spring of 05. In essence he said to stain the sapwood with a dye made from brown mahogany TransTint. Then dye the whole piece with a dye made from golden Brown TransTint. That's how I finished this piece:http://www.eyman.org/furniture/21_secretary_closed.htm. If you push the "next" button you'll find other views. With a big piece like this one is bound to encounter some sapwood, but I was pleased to see it all blend in. If you can't find the article, I'll look it up and give you more detailed instructions- such as proportions, etc.

[Lars Thomas]

Jerry, on the inside of the chest, I think it is fine for the sap wood to appear au natural. I wouldn't go through the trouble of doing anything.

[Earl Reid]

Jerry, I'll look up some pics later. I have used Deft (semi gloss) on almost every thing Since mid 50s.

Earl

[Jerry Olexa]

Wrote an article in the spring of 05. In essence he said to stain the sapwood with a dye made from brown mahogany TransTint. Then dye the whole piece with a dye made from golden Brown TransTint. That's how I finished this piece:http://www.eyman.org/furniture/21_secretary_closed.htm. If you push the "next" button you'll find other views. With a big piece like this one is bound to encounter some sapwood, but I was pleased to see it all blend in. If you can't find the article, I'll look it up and give you more detailed instructions- such as proportions, etc.

Carl That is a spectacular piece!! Beautifully done. I had seen in before in an earlier post. Your finish also turned out very well. I see no evidence of sapwood...All my sapwood will be on the inside or back (it won't show) but looking for a simple way to blend together anyway. Thanks, Carl for sharing...

[Jerry Olexa]

Jerry, on the inside of the chest, I think it is fine for the sap wood to appear au natural. I wouldn't go through the trouble of doing anything.

That has crossed my mind... Still pondering the options. Haven't even done the R/S or the panels just planing and glueups..Thanks Lars

[Jim DeLaney]

Thanks Jim Where can I get/find and buy those crystals?? Good idea...

I think I got mine from either Rocklers or Woodworkers' Supply. I think Jeff Jewitt also carries them. Maybe Woodcraft, also.

[Jim Becker]

You can dye it. Do remember that walnut lightens over time...

[Jerry Olexa]

Now I have more urgency to blend in the sapwood: Today, having completed all the rails and stiles, I routed the panels. OOPs, on 1st panel, in my haste, I routed it with good face up. I realized my mistake after 2 passes.The other panels are fine... So the Sapwood I was planing to hide on the interior of the chest is now proudly faced out. Good wood just a fair amt of sapwood. Decided not to mill and glue another panel. So now I go forth in earnest to adjust/blend the walnut. I'll keep your ideas in mind as I call woodcraft etc and get some supplies. Any other suggs??

[Matt P]

You can dye it. Do remember that walnut lightens over time...

Does walnut lighten over time even when it has been finished? (e.g. BLO, shellac, etc) ?

Thanks,
Matt