Tinting Lacquer

[Gabe Livingston]

Hello,
I've got a birch book case with maple trim. I'm thinking of spraying a lacquer finish on it. Maple doesn't take stain well, but I'd like to darken the wood just a little. What's the best way to do this? Can I tint the lacquer? I'm using NC lacquer, clear. Any other ideas or experiences are welcome, thanks

Gabe

[Steven Wilson]

Tinting the lacquer is the way too go. What you're doing is applying shader coats, the same way that a sunburst finish on an electric guitar is applie. I assume that you've tried analine dye stains and are unhappy with the results. Transtint dyes work well in this.

[Frank]

Did a project that required the laquer to be tinted and I used a powdered stain. Don't mix it too dark, and use several light coats until you get the desired appearance. I don't remember the name of the stain used, that was 15 years ago. There may be some better products on the market now. Good luck!

Frank

[Lou_williams]

If you are looking for a source for the colors and even more help in finishing? Then Jeff Jewets site is the place to go. Click [link:www.homesteadfinishing.com/Japandrycolors.htm|here] to see what he sells to color finishes

[AZ Scott]

Gabe,

I recently had a similar issue and tinting the laquer is the way to go.
I used 'Transtint' dye from Woodcraft (this is where i found it) and it worked very well.
Mix it thoroughly and apply light 'toner' coats until you receive the look you're after - be careful of trying to get too dark too fast.

Good Luck :)
Scott