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I am building something using quilted maple and don't know the best finish to use to bring up the quilted figure. Would appreciate some direction.
How fine of sandpaper did you use before the initial dying process? I've found if I sand things too finely, the dye doesn't penetrate the harder parts of the figure well. I'd suggest 180 to 220 grit at the finest. then I'd start sanding back at about the same grit, and ending on 320 or finer.
What type of dye did you try? And how diluted was it? I've had my best results with Transtint, using DNA as a carrier. I often used about 12 to 15 drops of dye per fluid ounce of DNA, then applied it with a mini HVLP gun*, an airbrush*, or a soft cotton rag. In some cases, I've been able to rectify splotchiness by spreading things around after the fact with DNA on a paper towel.
The first few times I tried the dye/sand/finish routine, I was certain I'd ruined the piece. And depending on the strength of the dye and the porosity of the wood, sometimes it can take a LOT of sanding to get enough clean wood exposed to get the desired effect.
* Rennie, you probably already know this, but for anyone else who's reading this now or in the future, if you are spraying anything based on DNA be SURE you are wearing a good respirator that's made to filter VOCs. I made the huge mistake one night of spraying a dye/DNA mixture while wearing a regular dust respirator. That's the closest I ever came to needing to go to the hospital as the result of a shop incident. And I bought a true VOC respirator the next day.
I don't see blotching, but I DO see normal wood density or grain variations.
Sanding maple beyond 180 is too much before coloring.
What is your dilution on the transtint?
It may be too weak.
I have used both water and alcohol with transtint - not in the same solution - seperate solutions.
Water raises grain more than alcohol, but they both will raise grain.
I'm not sure which I like best.
The dye or stain, may take more that one coat.
Transtint is very very strong, I am surprised you didn't get more result than that.
I made a dilution rate spreadsheet, but it is in my shop, I will try to remember to post it for you.
I use a hypo applicator, that you can get at McMaster to measure the transtint and the solution (water or alcohol)
Transtint will penetrate far better than stain.
Been watching a few more YouTube videos on finishing maple - question: it seems the demos on YouTube all are using hard maple in their examples - were all of you who have contributed here doing the same? I'm using a soft maple. Is that part of the reason I am not getting similar results?
I am so sorry.
When I got home tonight I got busy building an outside sink and counter area.
Now, I cannot get into my shop as I put the doggys to bed and I don't want to wake them.
If I wake up early enough, I will do it in the morning.
Sorry
...This is a piece of Quilt I have - waiting for the day it want to come out and play.
I used Red as a base - sanded - then applied black...