I am planning to make a drop front desk with some curly Maple and birdseye intarsia inlays. The Maple should be primarily blonde, or as light colored as possible. The background wood will be naturally finished Sweet Gum. I want the Maple curls and eyes to have as much contrast as possible. I know I have read some information on finishing Curly Maple, but I have not been able to find it again.
Can you steer me to the info, or advise on the finishing process.
Thanks,
John
Replies
tallwood,
You can ask Matt Berger or now David Heim to give you links to some of the articles written on finishing maple.
To keep the wood as blonde as possible a light oil application such as boiled linseed oil or one of the thin varnishes such as Minwax Antique Oil should do the trick.
You'll find that light applications of a dye will greatly enhance the contrast in the eyes and curls of the maple.
A medium yellow dye will be a good place to start. Try a dye, and when dry, the oil treatment. Another way is to apply the dye and lightly sand it when dry and then apply the oil.
If you want to remain as blonde as possible, avoid dyes that have the word honey or amber in them. They are a "warmer" color that will start to lean towards orange.
The only way to be sure about what you want is to make a couple of good size samples (the bigger the better) and finish them completely. This will give you a road map to follow when you begin finishing you desk.
It sounds like a great piece. Good luck and think about posting pictures when you're complete.
Peter
Tallwood
If you get on youtube look up charles neil and he has some good stuff to make the curl "pop" as he says. You'll really get a kick out of this guy and his stuff is straight forward and easy to follow. Good luck.
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