I am building a wine rack out of 3/4 red oak and have almost finished the outer structure (basically a dadoed shelf and rabitted top between two pieces of lumber). I plan to put ply (2x 1/4 inch) from corner to corner to make a ‘X’ to form a total of eight sections to hold the bottles. After assembly and sanding of the main pieces, the color of the wood became much lighter (I have vacuumed and wiped down with mineral spirits), and I am not entirely happy with the contrast of the inlay on the top (see figs).
Would it be possible to tape off the very inner rectangular section on the top with good painters tape (I have had good success with the yellow frog tape) and then spray the rest with a light coat or two of shellac. I could then remove the tape and stain the inset area (nothing too dark, but just something to add some contrast to the inlay).
Is this doable? I have both gel and liquid stain to hand and it would not need to be on the wood for long.
Thanks as always,
Phil