Pale silky oak

[Lyle]

I was given some silky oak from the Taree area. I am in the process of making a box from it.
It is very pale almost pink. I think the tree was not very old. But it is what it is, as they say.
Without staining will shellac give any colour. Or should I just bite the bullet and use stain.

[Rod Gilbert]

Hi Lyle,
Shellac will give the silky a golden tone and bring out the grain you can stain as well if you wish but try some shellac on a scrap and see what you think.
Regards Rod.

[Jeffen]

G'day Lyle,

Also try Tung oil, I've had some nice results with it on southern silky oak.
It doesn't darken it a great deal, but the improvement over the raw surface is very nice.

Jeff

[Sawdust Maker]

the pink can be nice

[Xanthorrhoeas]

Hi Lyle,

Part of the answer depends on the shellac that you use. Bleached shellac - little colour change, golden flake as Rod says above, Garnet shellac or brown button shellac will give a much deeper garnet or rich brownish colour.

David

[Lyle]

Thanks all for your replies.
I'll try the shellac. I have some fresh golden flakes. So I'll make a fresh brew and use that.
Thanks again.
I'll post some before and after photos.
But don't hold your breath waiting for them, I am a slooow worker.