Replies

1. 
   oldusty | Oct 19, 2009 04:47pm | #1

    RNH ,

          A Blonde Oak finish depending on how old it is may be what we call a White wash finish maybe .Or a White Oak finish , or a pickeld finish .

     A major factor to match the color in this Oak is to make sure you know if it is White or Red Oak and of course use the same wood to start for the best match.

     Many brands of stain offer a White wash or a Pickling White .The Red Oak has a habit of turning Pinkish if you rub thru the color .

     It takes a little practice to wipe the stain off evenly .

          hope that helps         regards      dusty

2. 
   YesMaam27577 | Oct 20, 2009 04:32pm | #2

   Like Oldusty said, there are lots of definitions for "blonde".

   He followed one of those -- pickled or whitewashed oak.

   Another definition is sometimes called "golden" oak. The finishing process uses a light-colored filler to fill the dark, open grain streaks. The piece is then block sanded.

   This leaves the light filler in the open (originally dark) grain, and the light-colored oak grain showing through. The piece is then varnished or otherwise finished.

   The final result is quite smooth looking. And depending on the oak, and the finish, can be very blonde.

   I won't be laughing at the lies when I'm gone,
   And I can't question how or when or why when I'm gone;
   I can't live proud enough to die when I'm gone,
   So I guess I'll have to do it while I'm here. (Phil Ochs)

3. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Oct 20, 2009 06:02pm | #3

   Ditto on what had been said. I have worked with both white oak and red oak as both are local. I have achieved what you might consider a blone finish but... depends on the definition of blonde as stated. I think you would be wise to photo-graph the existing so the oak species can be idenified and once we see what you're calling blonde.. someone might be able to offer a solution to how it got that way.

   Good luck...

   Sarge..

   Woodworkers' Guild of Georgia