Rule #4

Wood coloring is like onions, in two ways.

1.       1. Layers

 

Finishing has layers (just like ogres).   You can layer colors by using multiple products in succession.   For example

-          Apply a dye, followed by a pigmented wiping stain

-          Apply a stain of one color, let it dry, then apply a stain of another color

-          Apply a stain then finish, then apply a glaze

-          Apply a stain then finish, then apply a toner

-          Apply an oil as a base finish, then apply a stain or another finish followed by a glaze or toner

 Use complementary colors to neutralize too much of another.

-         

You can also layer compatible products.   You can put shellac under most finishes.  You can put an oil or oil-varnish finish under a varnish finish.   Why?   To get the attributes of that finish - shellac can seal in odors, contaminants or add depth to a finish.   Oil can enhance the color of the natural wood.

 

2.      2. Making soup

 

        It’s a lot easier to add more onions than it is to remove too much onion.

 

It’s easier to add dark than to add light.   Sneak up on a color.   When you are close, it’s real easy to overshoot your target and get too dark.  It's easier to add a bit of color to neutralize another rather than overshooting it.

 

Do you have any examples of these layering principles?

 

One of my common stains is to dye a red undercoat, then apply General Finishes’ Espresso stain (which to my eye has just a lot of black in it).   The red under-tone more closely matches what you see on commercial “expresso” finishes (remember, that’s what they call it).

 

To help me visualize what the results will be, I made a sample board with some standard dyes in one axis and some of my standard stains in the other axis.   This shows what they layer of dye + wiping stain will be.

 

 

I went to a seminar by this local author when she was working on her book.   She loved glazes and most of the projects in this book use them and show how they can enhance and adjust a finish’s look.

https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Wood-Finishing-Made-Easy/dp/1558704604

 

 

I use a lot of toners in touch up work, when I get close, I really need to slow down or I can get an almost opaque finish in one more application.  The same is true of stains – you can generally add a second coat if it needs it, but it’s hard to get a too dark finish off if you don’t realize it until you have a coat of two of finish on.

 

When I am refinishing and there's a chance of silicone oil contamination or I'm working with a resinous wood like teak or cedar or there are pine knots, I add a barrier coat of shellac.  Then I apply the finish of choice.

 

Edited May 30, 20179 yr by kmealy

Thanks for the post and the link to the book!

I like the onions analogy.  Good information.

Makes my eyes water to think of how hard I have been doing it.

Herb