March 3, 201511 yr Some of you may know that I've been building three shelves for a mahogany credenza. The owner didn't want to spring for $8.00 a BF South American mahogany (my cost) so we opted for cherry. After trying several unsuccessful color samples of stain, I decided to try my hand at dying the pieces. I bought 5 samples from W.D. Lockwood in New York and wasted a couple BF of cherry getting the colors right. I ended up using a standard dark red mahogany water based dye and hopefully it will match the real credenza. They match the photos at least. After a bit of experimentation I sealed the end grain with a mixture of 1 part Seal Coat to 2 parts DNA and applied 3 coats of dye to get the richness I wanted. The flash on the picture below makes it look that the dye blotched but to the naked eye it is fine. I sealed the shelves with Seal coat and applied 3 coats of deft lacquer and rubbed it all out. After the learning curve, I'm a believer. Dye is the way to go. Much more controlable in application and it sure doesn't mask the grain like stain. The shelves were made from two different boards and you can sure see the divide but the shelves will be behind a closed door.
March 3, 201511 yr Author Lew, the desk that matches the credenza had some drawers added after the owner took delivery. The drawer color was an awful mismatch. Almost an orange instead of deep red so I don't see how my client can squawk too much.
March 4, 201511 yr Hey Ron, If you ever get a chance get some waterlox. It'll solve all those sealing/coating problems without hiding the wood grain.
March 5, 201511 yr Looks really good Ron. I love the Lockwood Dye. I used it on two of the blanket chest I made and it does an awesome job. I sprayed it on and was very easy to get it even and smooth.
March 5, 201511 yr Author UPDATE: I installed the three shelves yesterday and thouigh the color couild have been a tough redder, the client was pleased with the job. In fact, the guys wife said that she liked the shelf color better than the original. Job completed, paid and moving on to the next one.
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