Greetings:
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I almost finished putting a bed together made out of Mahogany. I was careful when picking out the wood so all pieces are the same shade. Problem is, when I sand a piece of wood the shade changes (becomes lighter).
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I am afraid I will not be able to sand all areas to a consistent shade and I like the darker shade (un-sanded) area better. Is there anything I can do to make the sanded area the same shade as the un-sanded area after I sand it?
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I plan on oiling the bed, also looking for any Oil Products you recommend.
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The PIC “DSC02106.JPG” has the sanded area on top.
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Thanks
Hacker454
Replies
Many species of wood change tone as they are exposed to air and especially UV light. Cherry will change colour dramaticaly after 8 hours in direct sun. When you sand through the light-exposed area it becomes lighter. If there is a lot of light, or if your progres is slow (only working on weekends for example) it will be very difficult to make it even. What you sanded last week has a 7 day head start on what you sand this weekend. I've worked with cherry a lot and am used to dealing with this issue, I know that mahogany changes tone as it ages, but not how fast. If you think that this is the issue then the solution is after every thing is sanded and ready to finish let it sit for a week or two so it will equalize (It might take a lot less time). I have had to rotate the piece twice a day so that natural light from the windows didn't darken one side more than the other. Your problem could be other issues as well, post what you think.
Mike
Thanks Mudman....
Hope that was the problem. If your finish has a UV blocker (most mass produced finishes do) then it will be nearly impossible to even out the tones after the finish is applied. At the very least it will take a long time. As in months. Be carefull "tanning lumber in direct sun light. Some species (especially cherry) react VERY FAST and it is hard to get even results. It is like toasting bread with a cutting torch.
Mike
Hacker454, my experience with photosensitive woods is that regardless of the mismatch of tones prior to applying the finish, after a month or even less everything has evened out. For example, after leaving a Cherry rocker in the sun for a week to "tan", and then applying the oil/varnish, and then finding a missed tool mark and sanding it out, through to the untanned wood, reapplying the oil, by the time the chair leaves my shop which is typically a week later, there is no sign of the touch up. In general, especially using natural or unpigmented finishes, wood is very forgiving. Bill Lindau
To mimic a clear finish, wipe on mineral spirits to both the sanded and unsanded area. The MS will darken the wood giving you a preview of what it will look like if you apply an oil based, lacquer or shellac finish.
But, if you want to ensure a consistant coloring, the whole project should be sanded the same.
Hello looking at you shop and how it is lighted,you should not have any problems with the finished product not matching up due to fading.You said that you picked the pieces out yourself and they matched up pretty close,Right?Well if you use the same grit paper on the whole piece you will be ok.Once you apply the finish it will naturally darkin the wood.As for what finish you use that will be up tp you.There are to many to choose from and different folks like different finishes for different reasons.I would recommend that you read up on some of the many finishes out there and decide what would be best for your needs.My personal choice for that piece would be tung oil and with mah you will end up with a beautifull piece.
Good luck
Ken
Edited 1/12/2006 5:22 pm ET by woodsmanplus
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