paul42 Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 I saw this photo of a beautifully stained pecan slab. I tried various methods to get a similar look, but so far no luck. Anyone have experience with this? I really like the dark grain pop and color tones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 I think that has to be a dye of some sort. Much more clarity in the grain than I usually see with pigment stains. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted September 10, 2014 Report Share Posted September 10, 2014 +1 on dye. If you dilute it you can keep adding layers of color until you reach the tone you like. Practice on scraps until you get the hang of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul42 Posted September 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 I think that has to be a dye of some sort. Much more clarity in the grain than I usually see with pigment stains. Do you think I should try the hot water/ alcohol technique to open the grain to accept the dye better? I have never tried it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted September 11, 2014 Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 To be honest, wdwerker Steve has a lot more experience than I with dye application. From your example photo, it appears that pecan absorbs more color in the light sapwood than in the darker heartwood, leaving the sapwood with a browner tone in the example. I really don't know what hot water will do, other than raise the surface grain. Alcohol is often used as solvent for wood dyes, so maybe a pre-application of alcohol could help with absorbtion. I would suggest a fine sanding (180 at least), followed by a light application of water to raise the grain. After drying, sand again, up to 220 or even 320. Use a vacuum and / or tack cloth to get all the dust off. Use a thinned application of dye, flooding it on and wiping it off almost immediately. Repeat until the desired tone is achieved, keeping in mind that most clear top coats will add a touch of warm yellow. I am just repeating what I have learned from other threads on this forum. I have very limited experience with dye. Steve or some of the others may jump in and show that I am totally off base, so don't go just on what I say. And try it on a piece of scrap first, anyway! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted September 11, 2014 Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 I usually spray dye using an alcohol solvent. I have used water soluble dyes but they can behave badly with water bourne finishes that I use. Raising the grain is always a good idea on tops getting a fine finish, dye or stained. It's easy to get too dark with dyes and lap marks can be a pain. Spraying a diluted dye lets you use a careful overlap pattern and build color gradually. You can apply it by hand but practice before you tackle an expensive slab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted September 11, 2014 Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 Paul, I did a live edge coffee table a year ago using pecan. I applied 5-6 coats of Watco Danish oil and got similar results as your pic. Might try it on a scrap piece to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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