Replies

1. 
   YesMaam27577 | Nov 24, 2009 11:24pm | #1

   Do a sample piece, and you'll know for sure.....

   But I'd bet that the shellac will do the popping just fine.

   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)

2. 
   Westchester | Nov 25, 2009 03:47am | #2

   you might try a sample of a water dye stain on the maple only - maybe an amber or yellow color top coated by clear shellac .   The mahogany can be brushed with shellac tinted with a red dye that dissolves in alcohol - try sample first -

    

   Regards,

   SA

3. 
   oldusty | Nov 25, 2009 06:26pm | #3

     Wolfman ,

              Before doing too much , I'd suggest trying a clear natural finish not Amber or Orange or any other color . Personally I use pre cat lacquer .

     The woods are so beautiful in their true colors why try and enhance more

           regards   dusty ,boxmaker

       

    

   
1. 
   Wolfman | Nov 26, 2009 03:21am | #4

   Thanks everyone for your replies. I will do some samples of different finishes and dyes. Since these columns will be finished in the house I figured shellac would give me the quick dry time and little vapors for my daughter, wife and dog to inhale. Any water based finishes worth considering?

1. 
   Westchester | Nov 27, 2009 10:36pm | #5

   I never had luck with water based products -

   Shellac odor isn't too bad - crack a window - use a fan,  and don't try to coat everything at one time - do sections -

   I use shellac all the time indoors -  each person has their own level of tolerance.

   Give the Mrs. the credit card and tell her you need several hours to work - I'm sure she'll agree to go shopping while you finish the woodwork.

   Good luck

    

   SA

    

1. 
   Wolfman | Nov 29, 2009 12:13am | #7

   Thank you for the reply. I think shellac will do just fine indoors. I'm thinking touch up will be easy in the future also.You obviously have met my wife, she and my daughter live to shop. I'm doomed.

4. 
   matt calnen | Nov 28, 2009 01:04am | #6

   Ric Hearne from Hearne Hardwoods showed me how to pop the curl with out coloring the wood. He said to use dark aniline dry and stain it black. After it  dries, sand the dye off. The end grain of the curl  in curly maple absorbs more of the dye and when you apply finish it really helps to pop the figure. I figure if you treat your panels this way before you glue up the column sides would be the easiest way to do this so you don't have to mask off mahagany.

1. 
   Wolfman | Nov 29, 2009 12:15am | #8

   My thought exactly. Although I may go dark brown or mahogany with the initial dye. Black you say? I'm curious as to why he would recommend black, don't you see traces of it after finishing?

1. 
   matt calnen | Nov 29, 2009 07:18am | #9

   I've never done it with black dye but I have done it with carmel. I've never had the need for light natural maple, most of what I do is reproduction work. I usually apply dye stain in two or three coats sanding heavily after the first coat and minamally after the second to pop the figure. This eliminates the need for prewetting the surface.