suggestions for dark finish that would allow grain to show through?

[solock]

Looking to finish some birch ply with a dark charcoal or black finish that would allow some of the grain to show through, thinner than paint I think, but dark would be the goal. Mocked up a box that I intended to do in mfd then veneer, but it came out way better than anticipated. Would like to just stain it, or dye it or whatever to get a very dark color that allows some of the grain or pattern to show through.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[mikejennens]

I just finished some birch boxes in Kona and the grain stands out beautifully. I used a stain pad and wiped off the stain very soon after I applied it. It stained enough to highlight the grain without hiding it. My suggestion would be to have something ready to wipe off the stain right away, like within 10 seconds. I also used 000 steel wool before I stained. So, I guess my suggestion would be a decent stain, a decent application pad, and a decent lint free rag or pad to wipe it off quickly.
Mike

[djkest]

Ebony Stain. Black or grey alcohol based dye. A combination of the 2. Either of those allow the grain to show through. Tinted clearcoats will tend to obscure the grain. Good luck!

[timk]

Ebony Stain. Black or grey alcohol based dye. A combination of the 2. Either of those allow the grain to show through. Tinted clearcoats will tend to obscure the grain. Good luck!

Analine dye as mentioned above will get birch darker than a typical pigmented stain. It will be available in either alcohol or water based, in a powder or already dissolved in the appropriate solvent.

If you buy a couple of colors you can mix them to get just the color you want.

[LouC]

Birch has a pretty tight grain, not much texture to work with. Alcohol or water based dyes are probably your best bet. Sand the surface well with 150-180. Wipe or spray your stain fairly heavy. Let it dry thoroughly. Then lightly hand sand with 220 (or finer) and a block if you don't see enough grain to suit you. That's what I did on the veneer below:

http://www.lonesaguaro.com/speakers/coax/Veneer.jpg

[Dabspok]

Analine dye with a couple of thinned down lacquer coats. +1

[solock]

Thanks for the ideas folks, I will do one of the above, and post the results, thanks again!!

[Dabspok]

Lou, I'm going to have to remember your sanding treatment for the future. That looks fantastic!