This one was an experiment from the get go. Personally, I don't like the result and it won't be made into a pen. We all know end grain can be difficult when it comes to stain. Before I turned it to final size, I applied sanding sealer to the left side and nothing on the right side and then applied blue dye. The right side looked better so that's what I went with. Probably this would work if I had made the blank with the side grain supposed to end grain. It's not a failure because it was a learning experience from the beginning.
A Lot Of Time For Mediocrity
- Thread starter KenB259
- Start date
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MedWoodWorx
Member
First of all let me thank you for sharing your r&d. What about soaking/applying generously shellac as a base coat? Is can also be tinted with alcohol dyes. Just saying..cheers
Sanding sealer is just a dewaxed thin shellac. I dint think about thinning that, but I could have, might have darkened it though.
jttheclockman
Member
Actually if you could get all end grain in a line and all flat grain in a line and just stain it so that the end grain is darker would be a cool look. Or maybe you can play with that idea. I know endgrain is always a problem when it comes to staining. Pros actually use thick gel stains so they can play with the look as they rub it in. Alcohol stains maybe an option. Finishing any wood product is an art and profession on its own. So many variables. Then adding top coats adds to the confusion.
If you weren't adding vaneer, that might be doable, but once you add vaneer, you're pretty locked in on how they have to be glued.