Replies

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | May 21, 2001 06:42am | #1

   *
   JJ,

   Since you don't want to use a stain, your only alternative is to "suntan" the pieces, IMHO. Length of time determines the darkness. Good Luck.

   Dano

1. 
   michael_pelletier | May 26, 2001 01:59pm | #2

   *there are a number of ways to darken cherry. My favorite is easy, reliable and cheap. Take a spackle pail half full of hardwood ash from your wood stove or fireplace, pour a large pot of boiling water over this. Allow a day or two to settle-out and ladel off the alkaline brine that results. This solution brushed on the cherry before finishing will immedeately darken the cherry. It reacts with the tanins. It does raise the grain some, so finish sanding will need to follow. I have used it countless times under a watco finish. I never bothered to neutralize the surface though I probably should of. This will not darken sapwood.

1. 
   Wayne_Meek | Jun 06, 2001 09:04pm | #3

   *There is a really easy really fast way to age Cherry. Mix 1 tablespoon of standard household lye ( Red Devil is good ) with 1 cup of warm water. Brush it on and watch the wood change color. It is beautiful. After a few minutes wipe off the excess and let dry overnight. It will raise the grain but you can knock that back down with some 400 I/I paper.