Multiple stain technique: 1st attempt

[Rcnewcomb]

This is my first attempt using multiple stain colors to try and get extra depth and definition out of a piece. This was carved in soft maple:
Rough: 1/4" at 13K at 2ips/1ips (about 10 minutes)
Finish: 1/8" ball nose at 16K at 6ips/3ips (about 20 minutes)

Finishing:
1. light coat of tung oil
2. apply and wipe off lighter stain over entire carving
3. tung oil
4. wet cloth with dark stain and blot where desired
5. tung oil

Lesson learned:
1. Use more of a gel type stain such as a glazing stain.
2. A 1/16" bit would have provided better definition for this piece. It is about 7x12 and was cut with an 1/8" ball nose

[Thkoutsidthebox]

Hi,
Thats a good idea, I've never used multiple stains before but muct give it a try. Some people have had great results using a glaze on their carvings, since a glaze is designed to give light and darker shades. Thanks for the info.

[doglaw]

Maple is such a booger to stain. I'm curious, what effect does the tung oil have on the staining process - especially on maple?

[Rcnewcomb]

Tung oil gives a yellowish cast to the wood. It doesn't seem to disrupt the stain much.

Lately I've been working with glaze stain (gel type) and laquer and so far I have been pleased with the results. You get much better control than with the liquid stains.