Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Oct 13, 2008 04:03pm | #1

   Jeff,

   There are a few ways to go about this. One is to carefully dye the lighter wood to match the darker type. When I do this I apply the dye with a pad made out of a heavy duty paper towel. Fold it over a couple of times, get it wet with dye (I would use a water dye) and you'll have very good control over it's application. You'll be surprised at how fine a line you can cut like this. Also when doing this I like to have the color a little lighter than what I want for a final look. That way I can apply it a couple of times and as the saying goes " sneak up on it". If you apply it too dark at the start it will stand out.

   If the dye gets on your inlay it is pretty easy to use a fine paper like 400 grit to give it a quick sanding. If the inlay is a stringing or banding, wrap the sandpaper on a scraper or something thin and you'll be able to cut a very clean straight edge.

   Another way is to seal the surface and add a glaze to the lighter area. This can be done with a gel stain or you can make your own out of artist colors and glaze base. I always prefer an oil glaze due to it's workability.

   What type of inlay are you doing?

   Peter

1. 
   96jw75 | Oct 13, 2008 04:48pm | #2

   Peter,

   Thanks for the info. I think I will try the dye! ( Wish me luck!!!)

   I am going to run a checker board inlay around the top of the desk.

   Thanks

   Jeff

    

1. 
   peter28 | Oct 13, 2008 08:19pm | #3

   Jeff,

   The extra info helped. You can seal the checkerboard area first with shellac or whatever you planned on using for a sealer. Once that is protected you can go ahead and dye the unsealed walnut without problem.

   Play around with the dye on some samples first. You're going to find it is actually pretty easy.

   Post a couple of pictures when you're done.

   Peter