Replies

1. 
   DP | Oct 20, 2002 07:16pm | #1

   You might want to post your question on Jeff Jewitt's Homestead Finishing website.  He personally answers most questions posted there with very specific recommendations. 

2. 
   Paul_Snyder | Oct 20, 2002 07:18pm | #2

   Dye is used to match sap wood to the surrounding wood. You can get a pre-mixed walnut "sap stain" from http://www.woodfinishingsupplies.com - I think it's in the stain section, though it may be in the dye section at the web site.

   You can apply the dye using a spray gun like an air-brush, or use artist brush(es) to color just the sap wood. Coloring the sap wood is the first step in the finish.

   Paul

   F'burg, VA

1. 
   AllenS51 | Oct 20, 2002 07:23pm | #3

   Thanks for the info but would it be feasible to use the dye considering I have 18 drawer fronts and two 6 foot tops to do.  The main concern I am having is this Walnut is one sided (one dark, one light)  This is fine except when I rout a edge on the drawer fronts it will expose the sap edges.  Is this the way it is commercially done? 

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Oct 20, 2002 09:29pm | #4

   Your situation is even easier than "normal." All you have to do is dye the exposed sap wood at the routed edges.

   Sap stains are commonly used in furniture finishing shops, whether large commercial shops or smaller custom shops whenever the color variation is not wanted.

   Paul

   F'burg, VA

1. 
   AllenS51 | Oct 20, 2002 10:17pm | #5

   Thanks for the reply.  What kind of stain do I use on the edges?  Where would I purchase the stain?  Is there a certain way to apply it so as to ensure a match?  If I do have some sap on the surface is there a trick to staining just the sap and not the darker wood?

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Oct 20, 2002 10:59pm | #6

   The walnut sap stain from woodfinishingsupplies.com is the simplest solution - it's premixed to get a good color match which saves you the trouble of mixing the color yourself. It's a dye so it colors the walnut evenly and easily. If you have some "walnut" dye on hand, go ahead and give it a try. Just reducing the color difference a few shades can make a big difference in the look.

   To stain just the sap wood, use a brush small enough to apply the dye to the sap wood and not the surrounding wood. A little dye goes a long way - you don't need to flood the wood with dye, just get it a little wet and it will color the wood nicely. Kind of like coloring inside the lines.

   Do some color tests on scrap and thin the dye if needed to reduce the color intensity. Make sure you thin with the proper solvent for the dye you use - some use water, some alcohol. The one from WFS is probably alcohol.

   Paul

   F'burg, VA