Peter,
Perhaps you overlooked my reply to your response, so I am reposting in hopes that it catches your attention.
First, I’m terribly sorry about choosing the wrong posting method. I appreciate your clarification regarding the chairs.
You mentioned that the ‘mahogany’ would look just fine with the teak chairs; and yes, I have worked with it before, but in very rudimentary ways. I built the bed in the living room of an apartment with nothing more than a jigsaw, circular saw, cordless drill and a few hand tools. The remaining wood I have is already predimensioned and planed (but would need additional planing to square off the rounded over edges), so it will not be as thick as the dining room table directions call for. My concern is that the table will suffer structurally due to the lack of thickness. That concern is the basis for wondering if I should choose a different type of wood. Any suggestions?
And yes, I do sometimes wear makeup, but I just don’t think it’s right to try to make pine look like walnut. With that being said, I am not familiar at all with color schedules, dyes or glazes. Could you expound on options for the mahogany (but only if you think the thickness issue isn’t an issue)? If it is, is there any sort of usual recommendation for the finish of a dining room table or is it based on the type of wood used?
Betsy
Replies
Thanks for re posting, it did slip by.
If you feel the wood that is pre dimensioned is too small, by all means follow your instinct and use something else.
If you do get new wood, it's all personal preference. If you prefer walnut........
As far as coloring mahogany;
one way is to dye it a fairly bright yellow followed by a red brown stain and or glaze.
another is to use an orange dye followed by a "cool" brown stain or glaze. A cool color will have less red in it.
These are but two basic ways. You mentioned before you have lots of finishing books. The next step is to start playing with dyes etc. on sample boards. It's the only way to develop a feel and your eye for color.
As far as the finish goes; a good brushing varnish like Behlens Rock Hard will give you good service. If you (or someone you know) has the ability to spray a finish, a pre catalyzed lacquer or a conversion varnish would be good choices.
Pine into walnut? How about pine into tiger maple? That's always fun. So is turning poplar into cherry.
Peter
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