Two tone stain on cherry.

[dehrlich]

So I have a request to do a multi layer sign with two tone staining on cherry wood. I'm thinking there is a problem. If I do say a darker stain on the background and leave the lettering natural, once the cherry naturally ages and turns dark it won't look as good correct? Has anyone done this before? I would have to stain pretty dark to still have a contrast in say 20 years. No matter what finish I use it will not prevent the natural aging. Thoughts and suggestions? I think I will have to suggest a different species.

[lawrence]

good forward thinking, but don't worry too much about it.

I've seen some cherry stained carving that looks just fine after many years- it isn't as stark of a contrast but it still looks great. Natural dirt/dust/etc accumulating seems to help keep a contrast too. If I can get a picture the next time I'm over I'll take one for you. (it is a hand carved marriage plaque at a friend's house)

Lawrence

[dehrlich]

This is going to be the trick, trying to stain the majority of the sign and leaving the top layer (first names) and the hearts natural without getting stain on them. Thinking if I carefully apply lacquer to the parts staying natural since it's thicker than shellac, and use a gel stain since it's thicker, maybe I can get by with it. Any suggestions?

[lawrence]

This is going to be the trick, trying to stain the majority of the sign and leaving the top layer (first names) and the hearts natural without getting stain on them. Thinking if I carefully apply lacquer to the parts staying natural since it's thicker than shellac, and use a gel stain since it's thicker, maybe I can get by with it. Any suggestions?

Yup, coat the whole thing in a washcoat of 1# shellac, slop the stain into the background (a little care will help), then wipe any drips off the lettering/hearts with a kitchen sponge or rag dipped in mineral spirits. keep rinsing/squeezing the sponge to keep it cleanish and you'll be able to get almost all the color off where you don't want it (if you don't let the stain harden) After drying, you can always sand off the letters to remove anything that didn't come off with your first attempt

Lawrence

[dehrlich]

Well customers being customers, they changed thier mind and want to go with maple. Also want the first names and the date/heart line stained with the rest left natural. I think my project just got a lot easier.

[lawrence]

congrats! Don't ya love it when that happens

Lawrence

[dehrlich]

This is how my project came out. Could have been better but for a first attempt, and since it's a give-away it will do. Think I'm going to try doing a two carve version next time; do carve regions on the main sign, glue a contrasting wood on then do a final carve.

[mathman]

Came out very nice!

[rcdages]

Came out very nice.

[cestout]

Yea, I have that one but have never carved it. I will have to try it. Thanks
Clint