clarionflyer

I've got some beautiful "wild" cherry started for a nice candle stick stand. I tried basic (with oils). But with the cherry, I want it a little darker. I want to see the grain, but... you know, I want a nice medium tint.

So, I'm requesting a nice medium tint for cherry finish. What do ya think?

Julian the woodnut

I'm not a fan of staining hardwoods. David Marks used potassium dichromate to age his projects a bunch of times on his diy show. Here's a link to someone who did test samples of it on Mahogany, walnut, and cherry.

red

Just finish it with the oil, let it cure then put it outside in the sun . It will darken and quick. I did this all the time.

Red

__________________

Rick Mosher

Cherry will darken naturally to a great color if that's what you're looking for. Cherry originally was the "poor mans mahogany" and everyone wanted that red mahogany, Chippendale, Sheraton, Hepplewhite look. Potassium Dichromate is one way to get that color and dye stains are the other. PD is very hazardous and should be handled with EXTREME care. Dye stains like WD Lockwood are not hazardous at all when mixed with water and when used properly will give you a beautiful even red cherry color with no blotching. The real trick to applying water based dyes is to spray them on very evenly but just to the point where the surface is evenly damp, not running or dripping wet, and then just leave it alone and let it dry. After drying if it still isn't dark enough spray it again, keep spraying it until you get the depth of color you want. There is no limit to the number of times you can spray on a dye stain unlike wiping stains where leaving too much on will cause adhesion problems. Some objects have a lot of inside corners and details that make it impossible to spray evenly. On those items spray the first coat of dye wet and wipe off with a rag, this will get into all inside corners and details and now for the remaining coats go to the spray only method. Give it a try and I am sure you will be happy.

clarionflyer

Going with Red, guys.

I truly appreciate the advice. I think I'll use all of it!
I'm starting out with Red's info (sun), which reinforces Rick's, and I'm gonna study up on dichromate for future use.
I'm new to cherry (oxymoron?) so I thank you for the help.
I plan on exposing it to a bunch of sun... we'll see.
I have about 10 (prev) pics to post but haven't gotten around to it, I will try to post these results .
Thanks again,
Dave

mikewrobel

I have most of David Marks WoodWorks on my DVR and was just watching some of them yesterday (fast forwarding to the end) to review his application of Potassium Dichromate.

I the episode just watched, his formula was 1/2 TEAspoon to 8 oz water (1 cup). I have seen references in this thread (and the links to other threads) for 1 TEAspoon to 8 oz. I don't know if it was just the 1 episode that is 1/2 and maybe he states 1 in others, but lots of comments out there on 1 teaspoon/cup being too much.

Mike