got some wavy maple boards and am making a jewelry box for SWMBO.... this is
great looking wood... i am planning on finishing it with WATCO fruitwood
finishing oil, but am interested in knowing if there is a specific way to
highlite and make the wave pattern appear * 3- D * ??? if looks great now, but
i think the depth needs to be accentuated...
any suggestions??

Ok, you ready?

1.Sand to 320 grit. After sanding, handsand with
the grain to 320 grit.

2. Use an alcohol dye. Dilute to a weak coffee
color. I prefer the brown metal acid dye as it
is more color-fast than other dyes. Please don't
use a stain on this beautiful wood. Too muddy.

3.Sand off the dye with 220 grit, handsanding only.

4. Re-dye. Hand sand again with 320. The dye
accents the grain. Sanding returns most of the
wood to the original light color.

5. Apply polymerized lemon oil. Linseed oil will
work just as well, but it will yellow over time
where lemon oil won't.

6. Wipe dry and let sit for several days.

7. Apply Birchwood-Casey Tru Oil. Use a light coat
and buff dry. Apply four coats.

If you can't find pure lemon oil at an arts supply
store, then you might try a health food store.
Heat the oil in a double burner so it isn't scorched.
Let sit till cool, then apply to the wood.

The grain will be vivid, and this system is almost
fool-proof, quick, and easy.

-Rick

(WARRENRN1) wrote in message ...
got some wavy maple boards and am making a jewelry box for SWMBO.... this is
great looking wood... i am planning on finishing it with WATCO fruitwood
finishing oil, but am interested in knowing if there is a specific way to
highlite and make the wave pattern appear * 3- D * ??? if looks great now, but
i think the depth needs to be accentuated...
any suggestions??

I've seen (but not done) garnet shellac over figured maple. It
*really* gives it the 3-D effect.