Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Sapele Chest Lid

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Pittsburgh
    Posts
    42

    Sapele Chest Lid

    After gluing up and planing and sanding this panel for a lid, I noticed the outside 9" (3 boards) are quite a bit darker than the rest of the lid. I'm planning on using waterlox on the top of the lid and shellac on the inside of the ( same as I did on the chest). What would be the best way to keep the lid uniform in color?


    And also on the other side of the lid are 2 uniform crossgrain streaks 4" apart, that no matter what I do, I can't get rid of them. I've tried handplane, scraper, and 60 grit sandpaper.
    Thanks for any input!!




    Jim
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    E TN, near Knoxville
    Posts
    12,298
    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Gallo View Post
    [COLOR=#454545][FONT=.SF UI Display][FONT=.SFUIDisplay]...on the other side of the lid are 2 uniform crossgrain streaks 4" apart, that no matter what I do, I can't get rid of them. I've tried handplane, scraper, and 60 grit sandpaper.
    It looks like those narrow streaks are just the way the tree grew.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Tasmania
    Posts
    2,162
    The lighter section of the top side needs to be stained to bring the colour into line with the darker boards. The cross grain lines on the other side are how the tree grew. The only thing to do is avoid it in the first place or put up with it. Cheers

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    SoCal
    Posts
    22,492
    Blog Entries
    1
    I agree that those appear to be naturally occurring elements, that is; part of the material itself.
    "A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".


    – Samuel Butler

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Lawrence, KS
    Posts
    594
    1) Carefully applied dyes if you are trying to even out color between the boards. However unless you can test things on off-cuts of both of the original boards, this is risky. A spit coat of blonde shellac before applying the waterlox may give just enough sealing to the oil to minimize color differences.

    2) That looks to be in the wood. A small pin knot or similar that has been cut through. Looking closely, I can see the grain as it runs left to right (or right to left) rising into and then falling away from the "defect". Unless you thin out the board and get past the remains of the pin knot, you will always see this.
    Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.

  6. #6
    If it were me, I wouldn't worry about the color differences or those streaks. Just sand it well, and finish it well. It will look natural and beautiful.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Pittsburgh
    Posts
    42
    Thank you all for the responses!! I dont know how I didnt notice those marks when I was milling those boards. I did notice the color difference and figure I can get them close. I do have cut offs to use for testing. I think I will first try to sand the darker area to a higher grit and seen if that works. If not, I will try to put a very light cut of shellac on the darker boards. If that doesn't work, I will try to dye the lighter boards, but I'm really afraid to go down that road, as I don't have very much confidence in my ability to match with dye or stain.

    Thanks again!!!

    Jim

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •