I have an extensive finishing background, however most of my past work has always included many different versions of blockers, dyes, stains, and a different array of top coats. I have lately begun getting so enamored with shellac and french polishing that it occurred to me that maybe this would be considered more of a Neanderthal version of finishing. So this set me thinking about methods of coloring that would not include pigments and dyes and would rather induce coloring thru chemical reactions. I want to try and stay away from things that are potentially hazardous, so I have been doing some experiments with hydrated lime dissolved as best as possible in water. So far my initial experiments have yielded very good results in mahogany & cherry, and virtually no color change on pine, and minimal color change on maple and curly maple.
I stil have to fine tune the exact measurements of lime to water and duration of application, however the intial experiments are quite encouraging, expecially in regards to aging cherry quite rapidly.
So my question is this, are there others that have pursued my Neanderthal finishing methods and are you willing to responds with your on findings? I'm sure I'm not the only person that ever decided to color wood by obtaining a reaction to lime so I would be interested in hearing from others about this subject.
Thanks,
Ron