You could try one of the lighter stains like Golden Oak. You could also try a tinted polyurethane over the bare wood.
I tried that this morning, it's definitely better, any ideas on something darker ?You could try one of the lighter stains like Golden Oak. You could also try a tinted polyurethane over the bare wood.
Thank you!! That's a good advice as well. I'm gonna have to fill this crotch indeed. I found the log on the side of the road and this cut was made already probably from those who cut the tree down.That is a gorgeous piece of wood you have there. If you could keep the bark on it would be very pretty as a table. (Pity they nicked the one side of the crotch, tho...)
I've built two sofa table using Maple/Walnut and applied 6+ coats of Waterlox - sanding with 320 on one or two coats during the wipe-on - and ended up with a super smooth satin finish that really emphasizes the grain. You'll get density with added coats.
I'm in the school that avoid stains unless you need to match up color density between different pieces of the same wood - did so on a walnut piece and it helped a lot. I use Amber Shellac on Oak for a Craftsman look, a warm stain on Pine if it fits the piece, and but prefer no stain usually and find the finish that accents the grain best. Experiment on matching scrap until you find something....
More coats will darken it. Make sure the coats dry well in between. You could also try mixing in a darker stain, just make sure the two are compatible with each other.I tried that this morning, it's definitely better, any ideas on something darker ?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
I agree and after putting a lot of thought into it I decided that this would be the best choice. Even though I have to say that yesterday I applied MinWax Polyshade Pecan and over that this morning I applied Waterlox and it really gave it a very warm look, a lot like the one I had in my head.I don’t thank any stain is going to make it prettier - darkening it will give it an unnatural appearance. It almost seems that you are looking for what we get with Walnut - totally different wood. The advice to use repeated coats of a finish will add depth and patina - again, play with a scrap piece of Maple and see what you get first.
Wipe-on is an ideal technique as it dries more quickly and requires less or little sanding. I used Waterlox on my Maple sofa table and love the grain enhancement - there are a number of good oil based finishes to choose from. I have read extensively about finishing and am amazed at the variety of approaches. My results have definitely been a good result of this research.
Do some homework and learn about them before you choose as they will add up in expense once you start to try them (ask me how I know)....
Waterlox is the finish - no need for anything else but a wax job if you like. I like Amber Shellac on Oak for that Craftsman look. Each wood responds to certain finishes it seems and oil-based is the easiest to get good results from. Even tho water based poly is popular as a quicker finish to use with many shops producing volume work, I don’t care for it.I agree and after putting a lot of thought into it I decided that this would be the best choice. Even though I have to say that yesterday I applied MinWax Polyshade Pecan and over that this morning I applied Waterlox and it really gave it a very warm look, a lot like the one I had in my head.
What would you suggest to use for finishing? Either with or without stain, doesn't matter.
Waterlox, odie's oil, monocoat or clear shellac ? I'm sure you have a lot more experience on finishing than I do. So I appreciate your help a lot!
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk