Replies

1. 
   ring | May 14, 2005 10:28am | #1

   I first of all want to admit that I do not understand anything about the chemistry of this.  But speaking from experience, padauk will keep its red color much more with a lacquer or varnish finish than with oil.  I have never heard of the hair dryer treatment, and it seems a bit suspicious to me, but hey, try it on an invisible part.

   DR

2. 
   nikkiwood | May 14, 2005 04:54pm | #2

   I don't think so........ (re: lacquer).

   The only thing that will help (some) is using a film finish that is laden with UV inhibitors. But that only slows the process down.

   The best thing you can do is keep it out of direct sunlight, even better if it is in a darkened room.

   The odd thing is, that even with pieces cut from the same board (used in the same project), some parts will turn a root beer brown, while others will at least maintain a reddish hue.

   Maybe there is some miracle finish that will keep it red, but I haven't been able to find it.

   Your best option is to switch woods; bloodwood seems to hold its color pretty well, and I am told redheart will too, but I've not tried it.

   "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

1. 
   KeithNewton | May 14, 2005 05:31pm | #3

   I have doubts that the dryer will work also. However, I played around with vinegar, and lye, which is caustic soda on padauk a long time ago.
   The lye solution would change the red or orange natural color to a deep purple color like E Indian rosewood. If I could not get the color change even, the acid of the vinegar would instantly change the color back to the starting point.If you have some wood that is already faded, I would give the vinegar a try, but sanding would be the most likely solution.