Does anyone have a technique for matching colors of old wood. I have built a new table leaf for a 100 year + oak table. The existing color appears to have brown and orange tones. I have tried various dyes, brown mahogany and dark antique sheraton, mixed in various concentrations and applied it to the cut offs used to make the new leaf. The color sample when viewed against the top of the table appears right but when the sample is turned to it’s side and viewed against the existing appron the color appears to have a redder tone than I would like. I can’t seem to find a combination that is just right for the top and the appron. Any suggestions?
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Replies
rene1
I spoke with a guy who did just that for insurance companies.. His technique was to use shellac. Give everything a wash coat first then Mix a little pigment with shellac and give it a coating. wait 15 minutes and check the color, if too dark wipe it off with denatured alcohol. mix a lighter batch.. if not dark enough simply add some more pigment and give another coat.. The alcohol melts the old sellac and they blend together.
Speaking in general, I've found that the best route to matching old pieces is chemical treatment first, then using dye and/or stain to tweak the color. Try aging the oak with strong lye solution, then move on to slight use of stain. In any case, you're going to have to do a lot of experimenting to get it acceptably close.
David Ring
http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e
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