Redwood Burl

[eskimo]

I have been working with some nice samples of Redwood Burl and have been using a CA finish almost exclusively. When I finish the sanding process, the wood has a nice light appearance that really shows off the burl. When I apply the CA, the blank darkens considerably.

Is anyone familiar with an alternate finish I might use that would provide good durablity but not darken the end product so drastically?

Thanks for the help.

Bob

 

[JimGo]

Bob,
Are you using BLO during the CA process? If so, try applying several coats of CA before you use BLO the first time. That can help. However, I've seen CA darken the wood because (at least in my guesstimation) it's adding moisture to the wood. The change isn't as drastic as when BLO is used in combination with/advance of the CA, but it's still there. I pretty much only use CA for my finishes, so others will have to chime in about other finishes.

Good luck on your quest!

 

[eskimo]

Jim, thanks for the response. I am using BLO, but only after applying the CA. The blank darkens dramatically when the CA goes onto the bare wood. I have tried mm to 12,000, thinking it might close, or fill, the pores and limit the absorption of the CA. No luck.

I've not used a sanding sealer & don't know if that would have the same darkening effect as the CA.

Bob

 

[wdcav1952]

Bob,

Consider doing an Enduro or Unaxol finish. In my opinion, they do not darken the wood as much as CA does. However, they do not strengthen the wood as much as CA.

 

[dbriski]

I think what your seeing is just the difference between the "Dry" wood and "Wet" wood. Does the redwood look the same if you put some DNA or MS on it, as with CA? I noticed the Redwood Burl does get a lot darker when "Wet" and I think any finish will do this.