How to get Dark Rosewood like finish on Ash

[kaydee]

Hello,

I would like to apply a Rosewood like finish (very close to Dark Mahogony or Esperesso) to an Ash table leg. You can see the ltable eg here
http://www.waddellmfg.com/ItemDetails.asp?ItemNumber=2828

My questions are:
1. What type of stain/shellac etc should I use to get the deep finish?
2. Is an Alcohol based stain better for this type of wood?
3. What kind of preparation steps do I need to follow?

Ash being a non-porous wood, I would think no staining sealer is required.

This item will not be exposed to any kind of liquid or harsh climate. It is purely an ornamental piece. I do like a satin like finish that looks natural.


Much appreciate your thoughts.

-kd

[Tex B]

Welcome Kaydee.

I think most of use here would prefer to get a dark rosewood colour by buying a dark rosewood and using a clear finish.

Next option is usually to buy a shade of stain you think is close, plus one or two either side of it, try some on ash, and perhaps mix them to get just the right shade. You can use one coat or more of the stain, you can leave the stain on a long time or a short time before wiping back, it really is a lot of trial and error to find what works on the timber.

Much of the richness comes from the finish that's put on top, so if you have some ash to experiment with, try various combinations of stains, and finishes (shellac, danish oil, wipe on poly, etc)

If the only piece of ash you have is the leg, just get the stain you think will be closest and go with it, then some wipe on poly and a couple of coats of wax.

Tex