Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Purpleheart wood

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Expert: - 2/13/2009


Question
Hi,

I am going to be making a platform bed and came across some Purpleheart wood.  I am a bit confused because I am reading all different information. Okay..I have read that the wood will darken to brown after a few years. I have also read that it will not darken if protected with a UV finish. I was told to use an oil finish and it wouldn't turn brown at all.  I am trying to find out if...is this a good choice of lumber as far as will it stay purple and with what finish?  I don't want a high gloss, more of a stain look is what I am hoping to get. But, if it going to change color then I don't want it at all.  Any suggestions as to how to keep the color? Would it be wiser to go to a different wood?  Thanks so much in advance, Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa, all your info is basically correct. Purpleheart will eventually turn browninsh, a UV inhibiting finish will slow that considerably, but these are surface finishes, (laquers, varnishes). Even with that, it will likely eventually change color, but the chances are it would take many years...an oil finish will not protect from that change as well. Also. Purpleheart is expensive, so that may be a consideration as well. I'd say it's up to you and your budget, but of course, there are many good choices...Ash, White Oak, Aspen, Cherry, Birch, all nice to work with and structurally stable....hope that helps a little- Greg

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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