Replies

1. 
   Senomozi | Nov 01, 2009 11:02pm | #1

   I have never built a project out of poplar that I did not paint, except for a table prototype. I had the same green colour you mention but after a few months it seemed to all fade away. There was no finish on the wood. I am wondering if what I saw is inevitable for poplar, just like cherry gets darker with age no matter what.

1. 
   lostcreek | Nov 01, 2009 11:51pm | #2

   I dunno...like I said, it has been over 110 years and is still olive green..
   lostcreek

2. 
   Eef | Nov 02, 2009 01:02am | #3

   lost,
   been working with poplar on a daily basis for some time now. that green color, in my experience, hangs on and on. it does amber over after a short time-no way around that. i have come to like its qualities. it is easy to work, although not the greatest carving material.
   eef

3. 
   slashdev | Nov 02, 2009 01:10am | #4

   I assume that the green color is on freshly-exposed wood.  The green color will eventually shift to brown.  The darker the green, the darker the brown, anything from medium brown to dark chocolate.  Exposure to air seems to be required for the color change, but exposure to sunlight will accelerate it.

   Even pieces I sealed with shellac and then lacquer have changed color within a few months.  This is something to plan for: if you try to make the color more brown by tinting with red, you will end up with a decidedly reddish-bown color after a few months.

   As far as it's hardness, the old stuff seems harder than new poplar IMHO.  It's fine for cabinetry, accessory tables and interior trim, but I don't think I'd suggest it for a kitchen table top or chairs.  Or flooring.  ?!?  :-P  OTOH, it was obviously used for that.  I assume it shows wear in the high-traffic areas, though.

   Bonus: old poplar is a joy to work.  Its fine grain and even texture puts today's poplar to shame.

   Enjoy,
   /dev