Which woods stains best.

[Ian]

Hi

I'm looking to produce some boxes which have to be stained black - anyone advise me on the best wood and stain for this?

Cheers

Ian

 

[Steve Maskery]

Canary whitewood (aka Tulip aka American poplar) takes stain well and has a nice mild grain.
Ask Terry Smart of Chestnut about black stains, he'll sort you out.
S

 

[Ian]

Thanks Steve

The only thing that would concern me it the softness of the poplar. I will contact Terry and see what he advises.

Just thinking is there such a thing as black MDF ? as the customer just wants something black.

Cheers

IAn

 

[gasman]

Hi Ian
2 other methods spring to mind which I have used in the past....
For walnut, Axminster sell Van Dyck crystals which work very well. You just dissolve them up to the concentration you want
http://www.axminster.co.uk/liberon-liberon-van-dyck-crystals-prod21990/
For oak, vinegar does a great job of producing a blue/black colour. I have had great success with both these methods in the past
I have a huge amount of Van Dyck crystals left over - PM me if you would like me to send you some
Regards
Mark

 

[Ian]

Thanks Mark.

I'm just waiting on my customer deciding which route to take.

Cheers

Ian

 

[Tusses]

Obvious choice when it comes to black, is Ash !

Thats the 1st thing that comes to my mind anyway.

As for staining, I'd use watered down emulsion (can use a tester pot) with wax/varnish over if needed.

Rich

 

[houtslager]

yes there is a black mdf, drop of oil on it and it comes up a treat with a wax buffing. Other route is any fine grained timber and a water based black stain, coat 2 or 3 times with a rag with de nibbing between coats to achive the depth of colour you wish, coat with transparent shellac or you could go even further to achive a very shiny and deep black finish by finishing the wood with black french polish.

hth,
karl

 

[Ian]

Thanks guys

I will post my results.

Ian

 

[jumps]

Funny how we all think of different things - my 'instant' thought would be sycamore for taking a black stain .....

 

[condeesteso]

Ian - our union says that the official response to someone who wants an item in black mdf, is to send them to IKEA. (anyone remember the phenomenon of 'black ash'?... where on this earth was that grown?)
Slightly more seriously, recall reading a really authoritative article in Pop Woodworking - Brian Boggs about ebony stains. A rather complex chemistry involving rusty wire wool with vinegar (had to be Heinz he said), tea, and some bark extract. But that guy is very fussy indeed and he reckoned it was ace. I'm sure he was using poplar - I could probably find the article online if it helps.

 

[DOOGYREV]

For oak, vinegar does a great job of producing a blue/black colour.

Regards
Mark

I like this Tip, and I will be experimenting later.
Cheers Mark