Selecting the Right Colour

Selecting the Right Colour
  • Colour charts and samples are for guidance. The only accurate test for colour is to try it on an identical piece of timber - either an offcut or an inconspicuous patch, for example under a table top.
  • Check the natural colour: wipe the bare wood with a cloth dampened with water or white spirit to give an idea of what the wood would look like with a colourless oil or varnish.
  • Even treated woods will darken with age, so choose a colour one shade lighter than the final colour you want.
  • Take into account the effect of the finish on the colour. Most polyurethane varnishes add a yellow tinge.
  • Even the best-quality colourants can vary from batch to batch. Buy sufficient quantities to finish the job. If you need more than one tin, mix them together in a bucket before you start.
  • If dyeing, check that the product is compatible with your chosen finish. Play safe by using products from the same manufacturer and from the same range - a quick-drying varnish over a quick-drying dye, for example.
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