Walnut Clock

On a question about finishing walnut, you said to bleach the finished project and stain with red maple stain and finish or seal with shellac.

Question 1 -- What brand of red maple stain/dye did you use?

Question 2 -- Did you use a tinted shellac and if so what tint, amber, buttonlac or---?

Thank you sincerely for your help.

- Charles M.

Fayetteville, TN

Our Expert

As walnut ages it becomes lighter and somewhat red in appearance. You can artificially age the wood by bleaching followed by a red maple aniline dye. I use Moser water-based dye and follow up with several coats of amber shellac. As with any new finish I suggest that you experiment on some off cuts until you're sure that you like the color.

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