Mission Furniture Stain Question

[Scott Coffelt]

I am underway on a Morris chair for a client. This is the first piece of Mission furniture that I have built. I picked up some Red Oak color stain from Minwax, but not sure the color is right. For those that have a history in this furniture, what do you usually use to get that right look?

[Lloyd Brown]

This issue of WOOD mag. has a recipe for mission stain. it is red oak stain and roofing tar (W/O fiber). mixed 4:1 ratio. if it is to dark thin with natural stain. I have used it and it is my new favorit stain.

[Maurice Ungaro]

Fuming is the way to go. 20% ammonia, which is available at blueprint supply places. It's a foolproof method, goes deep into the grain, and gives an even look. Anyone making true Mission furniture should consider this option first - besides, it's not something people do everyday, and therefore, makes your work more unique.

I used this method on the QS W. Oak kneeling bench that I made for our wedding this past April, and the effect was killer. E-mail me and I'll get you some more info. As soon as I can unpack some boxes from my old office, I'll try to post an article detailing the process.
Maurice

[George Bledsoe]

I use this process all the time
http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/htdocs/mission_oak.htm
I could not find any glaze so I used a black wax instead.
It looks like this the wife likes the look so it must be OK :p

[Jim Becker]

Please be aware that ammonia fuming can be a dangerous process...do it outside in a tent and be sure to be wearing proper eye, hand and breathing protection when handling the chemical. There are plenty of good alternatives to this method available today as illustrated in some of the posts already made.




Fuming is the way to go. 20% ammonia, which is available at blueprint supply places. It's a foolproof method, goes deep into the grain, and gives an even look. Anyone making true Mission furniture should consider this option first - besides, it's not something people do everyday, and therefore, makes your work more unique.

I used this method on the QS W. Oak kneeling bench that I made for our wedding this past April, and the effect was killer. E-mail me and I'll get you some more info. As soon as I can unpack some boxes from my old office, I'll try to post an article detailing the process.
Maurice

[Donnie Raines]

There is a very easy, non hazorudous way of doing this. Please click on the link below and e-mail Chris. He has a formula that is true to the design and very easy to mix/apply.

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/staff/index.htm

[Maurice Ungaro]

Stains are good, but fuming isn't dangerous if you do it outdoors, and make a simple tent. I always wear a mask & goggles when setting up and checking the progress.

Maurice

[Scott Coffelt]

I prefer to stay away from fuming for two reasons (1) safety (2) not willing to test on a clients's project. I'll look at the other methods.

[Mike Kelly]

The Woodsmith issue #155 has a formula for a dark craftsman finish also.

[Jim Guy]

Rockler has a Mission Oak Gel stain that I think looks pretty good.
Steve Mickley told me to put on one coat of shellac and then the stain.