Dumb Question #25

[triplefreak]

Can maple be stained to look like cherry?

[Ruffnek]

Yes, sort of.

If the stain allows the grain to show, it will obviously be different from Cherry. On top of that, Maple, being very dense, is difficult to stain. You might have better luck with a dye(s).

You can get a faux Cherry color but I doubt that you can ever match the look of aged Cherry which is quite different from new Cherry. Plus, whatever color you chose will remain the same whereas Cherry darkens with every passing year...thus that aged look that is so valued.

[lexrex]

I think you can get close but you won't get that nice grain without drawing it in!

[Stretch]

Maple can be made to look like cherry. You'll have to use a combination of dyes and tinted topcoats. You have to have spray equipment to do it right. It's not easy but it can be done. Maple really isn't the best choice. If you're looking to save money, go with Alder. It can be finished beautifully and can be almost indestiguishable from cherry if finished correctly. Again though, you'll need spray equipment to really make it work.

[JBark]

When asking that question you might want to specify what you think cherry looks like. The reason I say this is it looks pinkish when you are working it in the shop and many manufacturers stain it a dark brick red/brown color. Of course a lot of woodworkers don't like to stain things and will just poly or oil it, which changes the original color a bit, but not near that stained color.

The furniture store I'm sitting in right now has a maple color sample by General Finishes that is very similar in coloring to the factory finished cherry we have in the building...in color. The grain in maple is subtle and the more you color it the less you see of it, so it will not look exactly like cherry. From what I hear of kitchen cabinet people it is very common to offer stained maple as a "cherry." Cheaper, of course. Alder is a great choice too as it has more grain and can give just as good a cherry look if not better.

The shop I trained in didn't have much of problem getting maple to accept stain because they would open the grain up by wiping the piece down with hot water before staining.

John

[JBark]

Remember, there are no dumb questions...only dumb people!

[sawduster]

Jan 21, 2010 13:31:10 GMT -6 JBark said:

Remember, there are no dumb questions...only dumb people!

I represent, uh resent that remark!!!!