How to darken Aussie cedar

[AlexS]

I need to match some Aussie cedar to some much older AC that is a lot darker. I'm planning to experiment with tea, coffee and Condy's crystals, but I'm hoping that someone who's already done this can shorten the research time.
The final finish will be oil.

Any advice will be gratefully received.

[JDarvall]

I can sympathise with that....had the same problem recently. Matching tones have to one of the hardest things....I can't do it very well....

I gave up. Ended up buying some darker cedar to match better instead.

Be interested in any ideas as well.

[joe greiner]

Lye works on cherry to accelerate natural darkening with age. Might work on cedar too. Leave on a minute or two, neutralize with white vinegar. Lye from drain cleaner (crystals only), paint remover, oven cleaner. Experiment with different concentrations of lye crystals; good starting point is 1 tsp in 3 cups water.

Joe

[martrix]

Ive always had good success with toning by using turps based stain like the Cabot's range and Feast Watson.
Just start out with a weak mixture with turps or thinners (they both work), and build up to your desired colour on some scrap..
I have used this method to make the white sapwood of American Cherry dissapear.......

[watson]

I have played a bit with Ferrous Sulphate ( or is it Ferric??) brushed onto cedar that had been brushed with Tannic Acid. It was a hit or miss affair, the way I did it, but I reckon if done under controlled conditions, paying attention to shades of dark, that it could be a good methos.
The Iron Sulphate I got from the CHemist ( they used to use it for iron problems in older women) and the Tannic Acid I got from the local Brew Shop which was dissolved in ethanol and brushed on before the water solution of the iron sulphate was brushed on.
The process was stopped by washing the stock in running water.
Wish I'd have done it under controlled conditions, then I could have been more helpful.
Regards,
Noel

[ubeaut]

Potassium bichromate or dichromate. Mix onto a saturate with water and then weaken some of it 50/50 with water. Works brilliantly. It's all in "The Book" Don't breathe the fumes use rubber gloves, etc.

Condy's crystale also works well on cedar but won't give a desirable colour. Much too dark.

New England Woodturning Supplies has a new uv stabalised ebonising liquid that will also work but may be a bit too dark unless you water it down. I have used it on redgum, osage orange and camphor laurel with very good results. (Scroll to bottom of their home page)

Cheers - Neil

[Studley 2436]

So do what ubeaut says that way you can stay on the forum

*VBG*

Studley

[AlexS]

Thanks folks, I'll try some of those on test pieces - guess I'll learn something anyway.

I thought the potassium dichromate may be the go - played with it years ago to develop blue prints - but my local pharmacist says she can't get it. May have to hunt further afield.

[Bunyip]

I have plenty of potassium bichromate - you are more than welcome to some. The probelm is getting it to you. As it is classified as a Dangerous Good, it cannot be sent via Aus Post.

If you think of a way of getting it from Melb to Syd without leaving me out of pocket, it is yours for free ...

[AlexS]

Thanks Bunyip, SWMBO will be in Melbourne in Jan, so if I haven't had any joy by then I may take advantage of your offer.

[JDarvall]

I have plenty of potassium bichromate - you are more than welcome to some. The probelm is getting it to you. As it is classified as a Dangerous Good, it cannot be sent via Aus Post.

If you think of a way of getting it from Melb to Syd without leaving me out of pocket, it is yours for free ...

Fib Bunyip ! ....say its sugar..... rap it up before you reach the post office.

Oh, thats naughty !

[Bunyip]

Hmm - the stuff is bright orange.

AlexS - PM me if you need to take up the collection option at some stage; more than happy to oblige.