Replies

1. 
   Doc | Dec 06, 2003 04:27pm | #1

   I could be wrong about this, but I believe Purpleheart will become a darker and richer purple with time.  I don't think you will lose your color.  I had some that had great color, but looked terrible when I cut it.  I was making a pen for my girlfriend, and I lost all the purple color when I was turning it.  There are a couple ways I found to restore the color.  You can leave it in the sun and the ultraviolet rays will restore the color as the wood is UV sensitive.  I was told you can put it in the microwave for brief periods, but I haven't tried it.  I used a torch, which restored the purple color.  But you have to be very careful because the wood scorches easily.  There is a very fine line between restoring the color and turning it black.  After that, I just used my regular turning finishes to complete it.  Anyway, I hope this helps.  Good luck.

2. 
   Jocrpntr | Dec 07, 2003 07:47am | #2

   I kinda remember the artical you talked about and I believe in it, they said which finish would keep the purple color, if you use the wrong finish it turns a maroon color. You should use test pieces but I believe you want to use a water based product with a UV blocker. If that doesnt give the look you want try shellac, pretty sure that oil base will turn it maroon.

1. 
   wyoung | Dec 07, 2003 02:16pm | #3

   There are three ways to help maintain the color of purpleheart in my experience. These techniques I learned from Fine Woodworking.

   1. Finish your piece with a UV resistant varnish or poly.

   2. Put only a light coat of finish on and re-sand the piece every few years to reveal the purple color again.

   3. Use a purple analine dye the same color as the freshly sanded wood, so that even when the color of the wood fades you won't notice it. This isn't actually cheating, as the column implied. It's still purpleheart and it still has the same color. I used it on a piece over five years ago and the color is still the same.