Curly Maple finish technique.

[patrick corry]

A good friend who is a furniture maker shared his finish for curly maple; apparently also good for cherry and walnut. It really accentuates highly figured hardwoods. The link from another site shows the entire process of making the paddle as well as the finish near the end. I imagine this would make for some really nice looking decks on the next canoe project....

too-cold-to-paint-so.129047

 

[MGC]

Thanks Patrick. Very interesting.
Was some sort of stain used to darken the wood. The figured maple I have used is generally a much lighter and more yellowish color.

 

[patrick corry]

No stain whatsoever. The heated (oxidized) nitric acid wash imparts the color. Oil finish makes it come alive.

 

[Rob Stevens]

Alternatively;
1. Apply (brush or rag) a solution of lye in water to instantly "age" the wood.
Flush with water, dry and lightly sand to remove raised grain.

or (not both)
2. Dissolve batts of 0000 steel wool in vinegar over 2 days.
Apply (brush or rag) to "stain" the wood (blue to black depending on strength of iron solution i. how much iron dissolved.
Flush with water, dry and lightly sand to remove raised grain.

Samples shown on a variety of hardwoods.