Replies

1. 
   villagehandyman | Apr 21, 2003 04:34am | #1

   for the same amount of labor an a little more materials money you could use red oak and have a much nicer cabinet  poplar is going to be about 1.80 a foot compared to oak at about 3.30 afoot poplar is not a very good stain grade wood

2. 
   clampman2 | Apr 21, 2003 04:37am | #2

   I would do a wash coat of 1/2lb cut shellac then dye (with water base not alcohol base), or tint the shellac build coats. I think gel stain on raw poplar will splotch.

   Clampman

3. 
   goldhiller | Apr 21, 2003 05:51am | #3

   I have to agree with these guys. I don't know your whereabouts, but around here I can currently buy select walnut for around $2.20, red oak for about $2.60. I don't think your friend really wants his cabinet made from a common inexpensive wood, he just fears getting alot of money tied up in it if you use better species and grades than poplar.

   But......I think what you're going to discover is that if you get paid for the extra time and materials it takes to dink around with getting an even coloration on the poplar, he'll be in for the same amount or more than if you'd used a better/prettier wood. Unless this is a large cabinet, I don't think there's likely any savings to be had. I guess even if you had experience with the process and the products already on hand, I'd recommend a different wood because it's less hassle and you'd have a better end product.

   At any rate, over the years I've come to use pretty much just one approach for coloring poplar and that is staining and toning lacquers. It's the same basic procedure that many furniture manufacturers use with "lesser" woods and to even out the color on a piece. First, I shoot a seal coat of clear lacquer (nitro or cat-lacquer). Then the colored base concentrates (Mohawk)are mixed with some thinner and a bit of lacquer. Mix the color well on the weak side and slowly layer it on until the desired color and tonation is acheived. Clear top coats to follow. The color coats must be sprayed to get the kind of results I'm sure you're looking for.

   As previously mentioned, instead shellac could be tinted and layered to acheive the color. Homestead Finishing sells the liquid tran-tint dyes which work well for this.

   Remember........there's reasons why poplar is basically and usually considered to be a paint grade material.

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
1. 
   NickNukeEm | Apr 21, 2003 06:13am | #5

   Where do you get walnut for that cheap?  Out here (southeast CT) that stuff runs for close to 8 bucks a board foot, cherry just slightly less.  Obviously, I need to make a road trip.

   I never met a tool I didn't like!

1. 
   goldhiller | Apr 21, 2003 06:21am | #6

   Right here in NW Illinois. Not more than fifteen minutes from whence I sit right now. Give me an order for no less than 1,000 bd ft, an address and I'll start gassin' up the truck. I'll sell ya the walnut for $7 and the cherry for $6. Cashier's checks only. :-)

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

4. 
   NickNukeEm | Apr 21, 2003 06:11am | #4

   I don't recommend finishing poplar (unless it's with paint) for several reasons:  The color variation in the wood makes it hard to match when gluing up boards, the wood tends to twist and cup, and it splotches badly.

   If you're going to the trouble of making a cabinet to be stained, get some wood worth showing off.  Most of my furniture is cherry.  It ain't cheap, but it shore does finish nicely.  As another poster said, red oak is a little more expensive than poplar, but finishes nicer and has more class.  Go walnut or mohogany for the high end stuff (be sure to fill the grain on mohogany, walnut and oak for a smooth finish.)

   I never met a tool I didn't like!
5. 
   kenaz | Apr 21, 2003 06:30am | #7

   I've had excellent results using Minwax Water-Based Wood Conditioner, Minwax  Water-Based Stain, then topped off with their water based polycrylic finish.

   You can duplicate just about any look you want be it maple, cherry or walnut.

1. 
   JeffBuck | Apr 22, 2003 02:01am | #10

   poplar mimics cherry very well......similar grain.

   JeffBuck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

1. 
   MisterT | Apr 22, 2003 02:27am | #11

   The green sections of poplart will turn anice medium brown after prolonged uv exposure.

   the blond sections will slightly yellow under a clear finish.

   Actually it looks quite nice.

   but some people insist on uniform grain(oxymoron?)Mr T

   Do not try this at home!

   I am an Experienced Professional!

6. 
   Pd5190 | Apr 21, 2003 07:55am | #8

   I did the face frame for some open book shelf style cabinets in poplar. That was a mistake I should have used red oak and I would have been a much happier camper. they stained evenly and took the finish well but for overall appearance the oak or maple would have been much better.

7. 
   CAGIV | Apr 21, 2003 08:37am | #9

   If you insist on poplar,

   It won't stain well.

   I have however clear coated it with poly,   I made an enterainment center a few years ago that was supposed to be painted, well that didnt happen it looks pretty decent clear coated.

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