Expert: Greg Scholl - 1/17/2009

Question
Dear sir

I'm working on a project to make a replica of a 1760 flintlock rifle. The stock is Red Curly Maple and a AAA+ grade of nice tiger striping. I want to put a stain on this stock that gives it a Deep 3D looking luster to the tiger stripes in a blondish stock (not too dark) and then seal it or finish it with a dull coating luster. Not a shiny polyurethane because i don't want a shiny rifle. But I do want the  wood to look like it has a sort of candy shell protection on the wood. ?
Can you help me find easy to sue dyes and finishes.
so far the best results I've gotten were
using a toxic product called Chromium Trioxide (very toxic and poisonous) which I prefer not to have to use at all.  then I oil it with linseed oil like ten passes, or coats . I then tried to shellac it by hand but find this super tedious and easy to make errors on the wood. Im running low on swatches of maple  also.
I was hoping to find a easier process. ?
can you help?
Thanks
Tim Gilkey  

Answer
Hi Tim, I would look at TransTints, which are Dye stain concentrates that can be used in a variety of ways to enhance, tone and shift colors on projects such as yours. I would also caution you about using any film finish over ten or more coats of Linseed oil. Hopefully, you're using Boiled Linseed oil, but even then, it will take many months to be sure ten coats are dry enough to finish over, and not risk adhesion problems down the road. I would also steer you towards WaterLox, a Tung oil modified varnish product available in many sheens including a flat sheen.This type of product soaks into the wood and hardens from within, like the oil, and will build to a surface type finish with multiple coats. Easy as the Linseed oil to apply and maintain, but MUCH tougher and resistant, without the need to apply a second film type finish over it, which always leaves the stock open to chipping, scratching, etc. If the Waterlox finish shows scratches or wear, you just clean it and apply more. Make sure to allow proper drying time between coats, and investigate the TransTints, I use them almost everyday in some form, I think I have 7 colors, and from that, I can mix any hue...they can be used as stains, mixed into finishes or prepared stains to strengthen them or shift their color, they're a wonder product, and sound like they would help you out. Not cheap, but you tend to get what you pay for... Just remember they are concentrated Dyes, so they are pretty unforgiving. Make SURE you know what you're putting them on, and that you have the right color and intensity of color...because they're not reversible for the most part..hope that helps- see links below- regards- Greg
Also hunt around on Jeff's Homestead site, there are forums, how to's, and a wealth of products, info, and many great dry shellacs, too!

http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/htdocs/TransTint.htm

http://www.waterlox.com/desktopmodules/fathomecom/catalog/category.aspx?tabid=42...