John French
Member
- Messages
- 131
- Location
- Painesville Ohio
Has anyone tried this?
C/P :
GolfSteve in Calgary: I tested a few samples of different woods by treating them with different strengths of lye (NaOH) solutions. Cherry and Mahogany were the best candidates for this. Pine could also benefit. The red oak initially turned a nice golden colour, but after a couple of days it went greenish.
On cherry, you don't need a very strong solution to get a very dark colour. 1/4 TBSP NaOH per cup of water looked about right to me. 1 TBSP NaOH per cup if you want a very dark colour, but personally, I think this darkens the cherry too much. I prefer the look of oil followed by orange shellac. However, if you want that dark cherry look right now, lye works very well.
Neutralize the wood with a mild vinegar solution applied with a very slightly moistened sponge. Take care not to drip any solution onto the table as the drips will leave marks and you will have to start over.
Bob Smalser adds: Wipe with oven cleaner (light lye)....let it turn bright red then wipe again with vinegar to neutralize the lye. Dry and finish. You'll be surprised with the result.
C/P :
GolfSteve in Calgary: I tested a few samples of different woods by treating them with different strengths of lye (NaOH) solutions. Cherry and Mahogany were the best candidates for this. Pine could also benefit. The red oak initially turned a nice golden colour, but after a couple of days it went greenish.
On cherry, you don't need a very strong solution to get a very dark colour. 1/4 TBSP NaOH per cup of water looked about right to me. 1 TBSP NaOH per cup if you want a very dark colour, but personally, I think this darkens the cherry too much. I prefer the look of oil followed by orange shellac. However, if you want that dark cherry look right now, lye works very well.
Neutralize the wood with a mild vinegar solution applied with a very slightly moistened sponge. Take care not to drip any solution onto the table as the drips will leave marks and you will have to start over.
Bob Smalser adds: Wipe with oven cleaner (light lye)....let it turn bright red then wipe again with vinegar to neutralize the lye. Dry and finish. You'll be surprised with the result.