Just a bunch of Lines,Grooves,and Angles

[Merle Rice]

Hi Sam, I don't think putting a Light Stain on Dark Wood will make it Lighter. Maybe using a Bleach Solution might lighten it some. I think using a light paint wash is going to be the answer. Just my thoughts, not an Expert. Merle

[Merle Rice]

Hi Ron, I'm doing it for my Son-in-law, so I want it Dark,men Dark wood,Women Light wood. This will be his Xmas gift and I'm sure he would want Woodspirit on it. I got Allen Goodmans DVD and practiced on a piece of White Pine which I should finish today and will post when finished. In order to get the Dark that I'm after I will try staining first without sealing, this lets the Stain penetrate into the wood. It seemed to work on the White Pine. Then after the Stain I'll put on Poly U, then Maybe Watco Dark Wax, and finish with Feed-n-Wax. Ron if you have any suggestions on finishing Diamond Willows I would appreciate it,knowing that you have worked with Diamond Willow. Merle

[Ron T]

Hi Merle,

Diamond willow is very white and very red. I guess the contrast is what we like. The problem is that oil finishes make the white wood yellow. I talk to a knowledgable fellow at Orchard Supply and Hardware and he told me only a water based finish like polyu would not turn the white yellow. He was right, but the friend who turned me on to DW uses the spray enamel from Wal-mart, on 99 cents a can and it doesn't affect the colors either. The problem is the enamel is glossy and a lot of people don't like shiny. I think you could let the enamel dry real well and hit it lightly with fine steel wool to give it the satin finish. I haven't tried that yet.

Oh, and the good thing about oil finishes is it makes the red darker too.

So how will you carve your diamonds?

[Merle Rice]

Hi Ron Thanks for the Information on Diamond willow. That Garden Woodspirit that I just finished was a practice piece to be put in the Diamond Willow. I haven't carved DW yet, I hope it carves well. My Eagle was an Add on to the DW Stick, no carving just Wood Burning. I guess it will be fine as long as I keep my tools Sharp. Merle