Maple Veneer and Finishing - least problem with blotching

[maynardg]

Seeking ideas and knowledge.

I'm considering maple veneer for the current build. Ideas on the veneer cut (flat, rotary, quarter, etc.) least likely to appear blotchy.

Also ideas on how to finish to avoid blotching.

Thanks in advance!

Maynard

[LouC]

Re: Maple Veneer and Finishing - least problem with blotching

Well, one way is don't stain it. If you need to color, spray on water/alcohol dyes are usually the easiest to keep even. Dyes in thin shellac, padded on, are also doable. Quarter cut should be less problematic than flat cut or rotary cut.

[emilime75]

Re: Maple Veneer and Finishing - least problem with blotching

You can also try a wood conditioner before applying your stain. It helps in many instances, especially when staining veneers and plywoods.

[[email protected]]

Re: Maple Veneer and Finishing - least problem with blotching

waterbased gelstain.

[danklugherz]

Re: Maple Veneer and Finishing - least problem with blotching

You can also try a wood conditioner before applying your stain. It helps in many instances, especially when staining veneers and plywoods.

You may want to read this first on wood conditioner. The article is down the page a little on my screen.

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/article/Wood_Conditioner_Confusion/

[Paul K.]

Re: Maple Veneer and Finishing - least problem with blotching

You saw my Sonatellos which have maple veneer and solid maple (as well as solid walnut and veneer). I didn't stain either and applied 2 coats of Zinsser Sealcoat before applying several coats of satin wipe-on poly. Both the Sealcoat and poly had slight tints even though both are labeled as clear. Oh, the veneer for both woods was 1/64", paper-backed, PSA veneer from Rockler.
Paul

Seeking ideas and knowledge.

I'm considering maple veneer for the current build. Ideas on the veneer cut (flat, rotary, quarter, etc.) least likely to appear blotchy.

Also ideas on how to finish to avoid blotching.

Thanks in advance!

Maynard

[mgrabow]

Re: Maple Veneer and Finishing - least problem with blotching

Well, one way is don't stain it. If you need to color, spray on water/alcohol dyes are usually the easiest to keep even. Dyes in thin shellac, padded on, are also doable. Quarter cut should be less problematic than flat cut or rotary cut.

thats good advice... besides, I would not color maple anyway unless it was plain and unfigured. however the die will make the figure pop but so will a half a dozen un colored methods as well...

[maynardg]

Re: Maple Veneer and Finishing - least problem with blotching

Ok, I'm convinced. No dye or stain. Any favorites for a finish?

[emilime75]

Re: Maple Veneer and Finishing - least problem with blotching

You may want to read this first on wood conditioner. The article is down the page a little on my screen.
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/ar...ner_Confusion/

I did. If you read his solution it is what I've always done, and that's to let the conditioner fully dry before applying stain. It works well.

[bobbarkto]

Re: Maple Veneer and Finishing - least problem with blotching

Maple isn't prone to blotching like cherry for example.

It is difficult to color. Dyes work best, they penetrate. Pigments tend to wipe right off, especially on very smoothly sanded maple.

Any topcoat should work fine.

A very light color dye will help accentuate grain and figure under any topcoat.

To preserve the "whiteness" choose a WB acrylic or acrylic lacquer that has not been formulated to amber.
All other finishes will darken, some more than others.

Seeking ideas and knowledge.

I'm considering maple veneer for the current build. Ideas on the veneer cut (flat, rotary, quarter, etc.) least likely to appear blotchy.

Also ideas on how to finish to avoid blotching.

Thanks in advance!

Maynard

[mgrabow]

Re: Maple Veneer and Finishing - least problem with blotching

I like poly/oil finishes...

[edlafontaine]

Re: Maple Veneer and Finishing - least problem with blotching

Don't overlook the value of block sanding to the finer grits before you get to the finish coat.

150?

280? :rolleyes:

400? :D

[LouC]

Re: Maple Veneer and Finishing - least problem with blotching

You saw my Sonatellos which have maple veneer and solid maple (as well as solid walnut and veneer). I didn't stain either and applied 2 coats of Zinsser Sealcoat before applying several coats of satin wipe-on poly. Both the Sealcoat and poly had slight tints even though both are labeled as clear. Oh, the veneer for both woods was 1/64", paper-backed, PSA veneer from Rockler.
Paul

Maple has a tendency to yellow over time anyway. Paul's schedule will work well. You might try cutting the Sealcoat 1:1 with alcohol for a small batch. Add a drop or two of Transtint dye (medium or mission brown). Wipe it on quickly, then let it dry. Sand with fine grit to remove the top layer of shellac, then follow with another coat of sealer. This will leave a bit of dye in the pores, without a drastic color shift -- accentuating the figure.