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Accentuating Tap Holes in Maple Veneer?
Issue: Issue 269
Posted Date: 2/22/2011
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A
few years ago, I acquired a bunch of maple veneer from a tree that
had been tapped for syrup. It has holes where the tap penetrated the
tree, which I think is really unique. I haven't put the veneer to
use, but wondered what options I might consider for showing off this
feature. I thought about ebony stain on the substrate, leaving a
little lip at the hole. (I guess mineral spirits or something would
remove the contact adhesive from that spot.) Is there a good filler
that would go on tinted if the project 'wants' a smooth face? I
usually prefer unstained light wood so I'm reluctant to try to stain
only within the tap hole. - David B. Stone
Tim
Inman: Read
books about marquetry and boulle work. I think you'll find that
"whole new world" you're looking for regarding coloring
woods in special ways. I think your project would be a perfect place
to begin exploring natural and chemical dyes and mordants. The dyes
can be used to pre-tint many fillers, and post-tint some others.
Experiment, and enjoy!
Chris
Marshall:
I like your idea of showing off those tap holes! It doesn't get more
"real" than that. I would probably fill them with a tinted
epoxy after applying the veneer to the substrate rather than try to
color the substrate first. I've had good success mixing a little
aniline dye powder right into two-part epoxy to create the color I
want, then skimming it on with a putty knife. Apply it sparingly and
sand or scrape it really
carefully to remove the excess but not cut through the veneer.