On a recent visit to Franklin TN I saw Civil War era homes with doors made of poplar finished to look like fine cherry or mahogany. Can anyone provide a method of finishing that will provide this look with poplar?
Discussion Forum
Get It All!
UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.
Start Your Free TrialCategories
Discussion Forum
Digital Plans Library
Member exclusive! – Plans for everyone – from beginners to experts – right at your fingertips.
Highlights
-
Shape Your Skills
when you sign up for our emails
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. -
Shop Talk Live Podcast -
Our favorite articles and videos -
E-Learning Courses from Fine Woodworking
-
-
Replies
I'm not quite sure what you mean when you saY "fine mahogany or cherry" However, you might try a red dye (H2O or alcohol) (I prefer H2O) followed by a mahogany oil based stain. Try to avoid the greenish poplar. I've had a bit of luck with this method but I suggest you try it on some scrap first.
If you are referring to faux wood graining it's an art that is just as tedious and takes just as long to learn as fine woodworking. DunDean studio in Chatam NJ is one of the best places in this country to learn the techniques. Recently he had Bill Holgate over from the UK to teach. Bill is considered the creme de le creme of woodgraining.
Thank you for your response. I will look into your suggestion.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled