<DIV><B><I>Sarah Fox <sarah@graphic-fusion.com></I></B> wrote:
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> 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). </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><STRONG>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? ;-)</STRONG></DIV>
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<DIV><STRONG>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?</STRONG></DIV>
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<DIV><STRONG>Ya got me!</STRONG></DIV>
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<DIV><STRONG>Mark</STRONG></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>