black finishing techniques

[Sarah Fox]

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Hi Mark and list,

You've got it right, as to what I'm trying to achieve.  You are also =
right that poplar has almost no grain, which was why I selected it.  (I =
thought the finish I wanted would be completely smooth, but that would =
end up being too much work on a mass production basis.  What I noticed =
is that the light grain of the poplar actually doesn't look bad -- or =
wouldn't look bad if I could find the optimal finish.  I'll also be =
testing red oak for a coarser grain look.  This may ultimately be a =
better choice, albeit more expensive by about $2 per frame.  I'll be =
after a light sheen (satin).  I've tried the acrylic latex, BTW, and it =
just doesn't look right.

As Joe said, it's an experimentation thingie, and I'm in the =
experimental stages.  I was simply hoping for some advice about =
lightfastness and did get some helpful tips off list.  (I'll reply to =
those shortly.)  Anyway, I've got enough to keep me busy for a while, =
and I thank y'all for the advice! :-)

Peace,
Sarah

  ----- Original Message -----=20
  From: Mark Potter=20
  To: Pianotech=20
  Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2005 8:49 PM
  Subject: Re: black finishing techniques


  Sarah Fox <sarah@graphic-fusion.com> wrote:=20
     When I said I wanted to "show the grain," I was referring more to =
the thickness of the finish (i.e. texture) than the depth of the stain =
(i.e. color). =20

    OK... then if I understand you (maybe not) you want the wood =
completely black, as in opaque, but you want the surface of the film to =
show grain, as opposed to a grain-filled, perfectly flat surface.  =
Right?  Am I getting warm? ;-)

    If that is the case, it would seem the choice of poplar somewhat =
complicates achieving this desired result, despite its many virtuous =
qualities otherwise.  Poplar has virtually NO perceivable grain - well, =
VERY little - so whatever coating you put on there will have to be =
mighty thin to show any texture from the poplar.  Do you want a sheen of =
any kind, or flat, with no build?  Perhaps a water-based product will =
accentuate what grain there is by swelling the poplar a bit.  What about =
black acrylic latex paint - one coat, two coats tops, with the first one =
thinned a bit?

    Ya got me!

    Mark
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