View Full Version : Need help matching finish on restoration!
Bert Johansen
04-05-2007, 8:18 PM
Hey all you pros out there, can you help me with a tough issue matching the color on old oak? I'm restoring a wonderful oak till and can't match the finish. Please see this web site for photos and explanation. Thanks!
http://www.shininghorizonschool.org-a.googlepages.com/tillrestoration
Bert
Al Killian
04-06-2007, 2:01 AM
Take a peice of glass and place it over a spot of the original finish. Then you can start mixing stains on the glass untill you get really close. Once you have the color try it on the back side to see how it looks once dry. If need be make it a little darker or let it soak in a little longer. I use Varathane stains. They have free sample packs at the hardware stores that you can grab a handfull and mix till you get it right. Then mark down the mix ratio some where on the peice in case of further repairs are needed.
Mike Parzych
04-06-2007, 8:15 AM
Bert -
I couldn't get the link to work, but I'm just finishing a job matching 80 year old oak. I first applied ebony stain to blacken the open pore sections - a common look to old oak. Sanding removed the stain except in the open pore sections. Followed it with a mahogany wiping stain and 3 coats of amber shellac.
I realize this may not work for you, not having seen a picture, but the ebony stain solved the major problem. I think it's essential that you experiment on the oak itself. It's the best way to make sure you've got it right.
Per Swenson
04-06-2007, 8:32 AM
Al and Mike have you on the right road and driving straight.
I would just like to add another problem solver,
Transtint dyes in the shellac.
You can,(with experimentation) tone to exact.
Per
Bill White
04-06-2007, 9:44 AM
As Per said. I just finished a project on an old Queen Ann dressing table. Use the Amber shellac with Transtint "Honey Pine". Came out well, and Maggie likes it.
Bill
Bert Johansen
04-06-2007, 11:10 AM
Thanks to all for posting your suggestions. Mike, you probably have to copy the link and paste it into your browser window to make it work. Your ebony stain idea makes a lot of sense to me, and I'll give it a try. Per, I tried Transtint dyes (I use them regularly) but the ones I have aren't dark enough.
The real issue seems to be matching the almost black grain streaks, and I'm encouraged that the ebony stain might work.
Bert
Thomas Monahan
04-06-2007, 2:17 PM
I owned a restoration shop for 10 years and often I used gel stains to match old wood colors. You can layer colors to achieve the aged patina look you going for. General Finishes makes a nice line of Gel stains.
Bert Johansen
04-06-2007, 4:31 PM
Thanks, Thomas. I already tried the General Finishes "Java" gel stain, and it was the closest match for color. Problem is, it doesn't penetrate the wood sufficiently--even with several applications. Prior to applying any stain I did a finish sanding using 360 grit paper, and am wondering if it burnished the wood. I've heard of this before, but never experienced it.
Jim Becker
04-06-2007, 4:35 PM
Bert, "non penetration" is exactly the point with gel stains. They are designed to stay on top. If you want penetration, you'll want to use a dye...and to color match, you'll need to experiement to get the regimen that matches your original work...and that needs to include the intended top coat as colors change with clear-coating.
Bert Johansen
04-06-2007, 5:06 PM
Jim, thanks for that tidbit! Guess I didn't quite get the concept for gel stains. I'm going to go back to square one and start with the ebony dye, and work on colors until I get it right. Thanks again.
Bert
Roy Harding
04-06-2007, 5:28 PM
Bert:
That's a wonderful piece you are restoring - the use of nails is worthy of note - they are a much maligned joinery method.
As far as your finish matching woes - others here have said what I would have - especially regarding the ebony stain.
Mike Parzych
04-06-2007, 10:19 PM
Bert -
After looking at it, that piece's color looks a whole lot like the color I was matching. So the process I used may also work for that.
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