January 7, 201313 yr Just wondering... Will a dark Danish oil finish work very well on Poplar? Used Poplar for a small box and would like to add some color to it. I've heard staining works only so so with Poplar and I'm trying to get away from the blond color. Bottom line...I'm looking for something easy to use.The BLO worked great on the Oak but didn't add much of anything to my sample of Poplar.ThanksHarryHarry BrinkBulldog WoodworkingMontana
January 7, 201313 yr Poplar does not stain real well as it absorbs differently with the density of the grain. I have hit and miss staining poplar. Dye works much better on poplar than stain giving a more even coloring as the dye pigments are much smaller than stain pigments so they will soak in and blend better. I have not had good results at all using the darker Danish Oil mixes on any wood type so I only use the natural which works well for me. My recent tea boxes out of maple and jatoba worked out really well using the natural Danish Oil straight from the can. It will give a bit of an amber coloring and bring out the grain, but nothing drastic.Allen WorshamCorona, CAallenworsham@earthlink.net'Graze in every man's field, but always give your own milk' J. Vernon McGee
January 7, 201313 yr As Allen said, a dye would be a better choice on poplar. I've not tried it but, I've read that a conditioner helps even out the color in the soft and harder grain of poplar.Unlike Allen though, I've had good luck using "Dark Walnut" Watco on many other types of harder wood. Lately, I've begun mixing the second coat 50/50 with a Marine Varnish to make a wiping varnish. Seems to work out well. Gene'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton
January 8, 201313 yr Author I think the next boxes I won't be so cheap! I'll go back to using the Oak. They came out looking really good with the BLO and shellac top coat.ThanksHarry BrinkBulldog WoodworkingMontana
January 9, 201313 yr Don't give up on the poplar. It's fun to experiment. Gene'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton
January 9, 201313 yr Author That's true. And if you don't like it, oh well. At least it cuts easy.Gene Howe said:Don't give up on the poplar. It's fun to experiment. Gene'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton
January 11, 201313 yr Waterlox comes in different colors and is a form of danish oil.brewax has different colors of wax butt it is tough to get it all same color.Might want to try pickling on it.
January 13, 201313 yr Author I may have to check out the pickling also. Might be able to give it an antique (old) look.Also thought of using some spray black lacquer.Harry BrinkBulldog WoodworkingMontana
January 13, 201313 yr I'm no finishing guru, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn once.The upcoming issue of Wood magazine (on sale 3/12/13) will have an article about building a bed with poplar that they've disguised as cherry. You might not want to wait that long, though. If you decide on black lacquer you'll still have to condition the wood to fill the grain and pores. Either that or LOTS of coats.Most grain fillers are easy to use and there may be a home brewed formula out there, too.Maybe someone here can help?At any rate, filling the grain/pores will be quicker and less expensive than a multitude of coats. Gene'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton
January 13, 201313 yr Yesterday the Woodsmith shop show devoted the show to finishes. One of the techniques was to apply the finish using fine grit sand paper and as you apply the finish it creates a slurry that fills the grain as you sand. They also discussed various techniques using oil, water based and dye finishes as well as some home brewed methods.Gene Howe said:I'm no finishing guru, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn once.The upcoming issue of Wood magazine (on sale 3/12/13) will have an article about building a bed with poplar that they've disguised as cherry. You might not want to wait that long, though. If you decide on black lacquer you'll still have to condition the wood to fill the grain and pores. Either that or LOTS of coats.Most grain fillers are easy to use and there may be a home brewed formula out there, too.Maybe someone here can help?At any rate, filling the grain/pores will be quicker and less expensive than a multitude of coats. Gene'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton
January 13, 201313 yr Author Thank you, Gene & Mike. I'll have to look up the Woodsmith show. Of course we were away for the day so I missed that one.Thanks!Harry BrinkBulldog WoodworkingMontana
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