Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Refinishing oak

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Expert: - 8/15/2009


Question
I have an oak shadowbox frame that I would like to refinish in the chocolate/Java brown or black finish that I see a lot of in the modern furniture stores.  The finish I'm wanting is very dark...to the point of almost looking painted.  However on closer inspection you can see the grain of the wood.  How would I achieve this look?

Answer
Hi Cheryl,the black finish would be the easiest to pull off, and you can use Krylon Satin or Flat Black spray paint, followed by a clear satin or flat lacquer. The idea is to spray just enough black to evenly coat the Oak with a thin, even layer, Then after that dries, put 2-3 coats of lacquer over it. This will create a nice effect that's seen a lot on  contemporary frames, furnishings, speakers, etc. It's important to have a perfectly clean, smooth, finely sanded surface, as the Black will telegraph any imperfections, so stripping it, and sanding down to 180-220 grit, is really the best prep. The "chocolate","espresso", "cofee", browns are done with dye stains and colored clear coats known as "toning", and these techniques and materials take some skill and knowledge to pull off. If you want to try, you could get a General Dark Brown ( or other deep color), Dye stain, and after stripping and sanding the Oak, stain it with that, 2 coats 12 hours apart, then use a Brown (or other shade)  aerosol lacquer toner, and then clear coat (satin or flat) it for depth and durability. This can be learned fairly easily with access to the right supplies, and some time to practice the techniques.Hope that helps a little- here's a few links to get you started, post back if need be- regards- Greg

http://www.pondcovepaint.com/content/page/catalog_product/id/141/Ultra_Classic_T...

http://www.pondcovepaint.com/content/page/catalog_product/id/244/Finisher_s_Choi...

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(xzr01nn5430fwu45kj0zmi55)/ProductDetails.aspx?SKU=17104

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020491/22649/General-Finishes--Water-Based-Dye...

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks

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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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