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Expert: - 12/31/2010


Question

bedroom dresser
Hi, I am having a new dresser built that I have designed.  Attached is an image from the computer model used to assist in design.  The drawer fronts will be vertical grain fir with fir veneer plywood panels.  The center piece is curly maple.  I would like to create more contrast between the two species than is evident in their raw stage.  What would be the best finish to accentuate the depth and interest of the curly maple?  How can I darken and bring out the rich tones of the fir that i usually see in fir woodwork?  is an oil finish a good way to get that rich, but low-luster finish for the fir?  I',m planning a directed light fixture to light the dresser and am hoping it'll further accentuate the maple specifically.  Will a high-lustre finish just reflect the light and cause glare?   Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Answer
Hey Todd, a cool looking piece....you're on the right track....dye stains can be used to really provide a color depth and clarity that pigmented stains can't match...and an oil finish, or oil varnish will make the wood "pop"...as will something like Blonde shellac over a coat or two of an oil finish.Because oil finishes are penetrating finishes, it's also important to not use oil stains or other stains that will seal the wood, only dyes under an oil finish.......the higher gloss the finish, though, yes...the shiner and more reflective the finish. Firs color is really enhanced by oxidation to a deep browner/amber color, and that takes time to happen...but it will happen. I really like WaterLox, it's super easy to apply, and has that beautiful enhancing effect on Maples and other fussy to finish woods....it also can be easily reapplied down the road to 'freshen' the finish.It's a modified Tung oil/varnish product that's been around for years.As always, you'll want to do some experimentation on some prepared scrap, to arrive at a finish schedule that gets you what you want, with a recipe you can repeat easily over the whole piece..hope that helps a little, feel free to post back- Greg

http://www.waterlox.com/products-item/waterlox-original-penetrating-tung-oil-flo...
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 8Politeness = 10
    CommentMy level of knowledge and his differ so greatly on this topic that he was speaking a bit over my head. I intend to ask a follow-up question shortly, that said, I highly value this service and his knowledge.


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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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