....and thank you for the responses.But I'm still unsure about how to
even out color. I now better understand that the problem is that they
used sapwood, which is of course yellower. How do I battle that? Just
use a cooler dark brown all over and hope it evens out with age (I did
that on a piece of cherry and after several years there isnt that much
of a difference between the heart and sapwood).
....and the question about the gaps between the boards: how do I handle
what is plainly their poor joinery? Can I just wood putty it? Seems
the only option...

Thank you! Maria

holdenmt wrote:
...and thank you for the responses.But I'm still unsure about how to
even out color. I now better understand that the problem is that they
used sapwood, which is of course yellower. How do I battle that? Just
use a cooler dark brown all over and hope it evens out with age (I did
that on a piece of cherry and after several years there isnt that much
of a difference between the heart and sapwood).
...and the question about the gaps between the boards: how do I handle
what is plainly their poor joinery? Can I just wood putty it? Seems
the only option...

Regarding the gaps, what sort of pieces do you have? Tables? Chairs? Are
the gaps at joints or between boards that form a surface? If the latter,
are the boards actually meant to abut or is there a reason for the gap?

Regarding wood putty, what kind of wood putty were you thinking of using?
Regardless of type, it would mosy likely look bloody awful.

Regarding heart/sap wood color disparity...it is not uncommon for some woods
to be fumed with ammonia to even up the colors. For it to work, the wood
needs to have tannin in it; IIRC, teak dies; if it doesn't, it can be added
(tea is high in tannic acid). Howeveer, fuming is not something you should
undertake.

Time - along with exposure to light and air - will naturally even up the
colors to a considerable extent. I wouldn't suggest staining especially
since I haven't a clue as to what type of piece(s) you have or if it (they)
are to be inside or outside.

It seems to me you have three options...

1. Learn to like what you have with the expectation that time will help
blend the colors

2. Take it to a furniture restorer - not a carpenter, not a cabinet
shop, a furniture restorer - and be prepared to pay dearly.

3. Sell it and buy what you want.


--

dadiOH
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