Replies

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Oct 25, 2008 02:37am | #1

   You could skip the pigmented varnish (only good to hide the wood, not really stain it, IMHO) and make your own out of artists oil colors, like burnt umber, burnt sienna, etc. and tirps.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

2. 
   user-83153 | Oct 25, 2008 10:03am | #2

   Hank,

   I have attatched a picture of a color wheel. If you want to diminish a certain color you need to add the color opposite of it on the color wheel. Luckily for you the color that is opposite of orange on the wheel is blue and right next to that is blue purple. So if you add some blue and a tiny bit of red you should get the results you are after.

   Of course you will have to experiment and keep track of how much of what you added to your small samples and multiply to get the amount you need.

         Rob

   
3. 
   skidkid | Nov 01, 2008 10:56pm | #3

   Thanks for the responses.

   Eventually I'll get the color the way I want it by adding oil tints.

   Hank.

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Nov 02, 2008 12:05am | #4

   While I suppose it might work as far as getting the color right, I still would just make my own stain right from scratch and not mess with trying to use a varnish/stain combination product that can be very challenging to get to look right.  Separating the staining from the top coating makes for a much easier finish.  To make stain, just add the pigment (Japan colors or artist's oil paint) to some boiled linseed out, a small amount of varnish to speed the drying and strengthen the binder, with enough thinner to make it easy to apply.  Apply, let penetrate for a short time, and then wipe off all excess.  When cured, you can apply a clear top coat of your choice.