Finishing black dyed veneer

[Ian]

Hi All

I have a made a box that has had Marquetry with a black dyed veneer background applied and was hoping to use my usual finish of shellac and then wax, but after finishing the back of the box this way I noticed the pores of the veneer (which I think is sycamore) look sort of a grey colour. I am thinking this is light reflections but would like it to look more of a black.

I can't add a coloured wax due to the marquetry.

Any help would be great.

Cheers

Ian

 

[yetloh]

Tricky one, Ian. Cutting back with some steel wool to a matt finish would tell you if it is reflection. Given that sycamore is so fine grained, I think I would be inclined to add more coats of shellac and keep cutting back until the grain is filled.

Jim

 

[Ian]

Thanks Jim - when the surface is matt it is ok but the customer wants a satin open grain look.

If the box is tilted and moved around the light the reflections disappear - so from some angles it is fine.

Yes tricky one.

When it is cut back with fine wire wool it tends to have a dry unfinished look.

Ian

 

[yetloh]

That seems to cinfirm the problem doesn't it. In that case, I think I would definitely go for filling the grain with additional coats of shellac. I have done this with quilted mahogany achieving an excellent satin finish with no visible open grain. it took time but was worth it.

Jim

 

[Ian]

Ok Jim will have to think about this.

best

Ian