Looking for a great dark red mahogany stain approach for a handrail – I’d probably start with Minwax Red Mahogany and maybe blend other colors – any great formulas?
Thanks in advance. Yes, it’s Swietenia – circa 1932.
Jeff
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
- Home Group
- Antique Trader
- Arts & Crafts Homes
- Bank Note Reporter
- Cabin Life
- Cuisine at Home
- Fine Gardening
- Fine Woodworking
- Green Building Advisor
- Garden Gate
- Horticulture
- Keep Craft Alive
- Log Home Living
- Military Trader/Vehicles
- Numismatic News
- Numismaster
- Old Cars Weekly
- Old House Journal
- Period Homes
- Popular Woodworking
- Script
- ShopNotes
- Sports Collectors Digest
- Threads
- Timber Home Living
- Traditional Building
- Woodsmith
- World Coin News
- Writer's Digest
Replies
My finishes supplier custom mixes any colour i want especially when i want to match something else
i bring him a sample of what i want plus a piece of the wood i am staining
Just finished spraying mahogany bed i got from asia ( the side boards were missing & i wanted some of the colours on the head and foot board to match better ( king size hand carved head & foot board , came out beautiful )
Not all that easy to use but the richest finish I have ever gotten with mahogany is with Potasium Dichromate mixed with water. I can't remember the quantities of the mix but I will give it some thought. You used to be able to get it in a drug store. I am sure a google search will send you in the right direction.
A bit tricky to use as it raises the grain and you have to very carefully sand lightly before applying final finish.
What it does is chemically oxidize the wood. This translates to years of natural aging.
On a hill by the harbour
I like Clearwater Color Co. water based gels and shellac.
Start with a seal coat ( more clear than amber) then antique cherry , then a barrier of Amber shellac. Then add on the reds, and barrier, possibly some black streaks and barrier...till ye like it. Then Hydro coat the whole schmear with Polyshield.
It all dries so fast you can do a lot in a short time, and the stain has enough bite to burn into the shellac a bit. Makes a translucent , yet deep finish.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
PROUD MEMBER OF THE " I ROCKED WITH REZ" CLUB
Interesting ideas so far ... any others? (like, maybe with a little less work ;o) )