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Expert: - 11/9/2011


Question
We selected a mahogany door for our new home.  The builder uses Minwax stain.  What is the best stain color to give the door a dark...but not black looking appearance.  The builder suggested Dark Walnut.  If mahogany is already a dark wood we are wondering if that will make it TOO dark and if Special Walnut might work better.  Thanks in advance for the advice.

Answer
Hey Sam, sorry about the late reply...Minwax is an interior stain, not a good choice for a front door, if that's what we're talking about....a Gel stain like Generals or even the Minwax Gel would be a better choice.General has a color called "Java" which might be a good choice depending on the natural color of the Mahogany...only a sample will tell you....and don't forget the topcoat choice will also affect the final color...hope that helps- Post back if need be- Greg

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2005555/16544/Java-Gel-Stain-Pint.aspx

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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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