Blocking stain from veneer / inlay

[Mitchell Andrus]

Is there a way to pre-condition veneer so that stain applied to surrounding areas won't be soaked in?

I'm thinking perhaps a soak in a solution before cutting.

I make Arts and Crafts inlays and the field, in white oak, need to be stained, but the lighter inlay needs to stay lighter.

Thanks,

Mitch

[Steve Schoene]

I would consider ammonia fuming of the oak. If the wood for the light inlay were a low tannin wood, such as maple, it would darken only a very small amount, while the oak would darken significantly. Ammonia fuming is a traditional technique used on Arts and Crafts furniture so the effect would be quite authentic. Works best is the oak is all from the same tree, for consistency of color.