favorite stains for curly maple

[blackboogers]

I prefer a lighter stain for curly maple but I have seen a really dark stain used for frontier/trade knives. Does anyone know the formula or stain. Thanks.

 

[patternweld]

The stuff that I use is a dilute Chromic Trioxide. It is available under the name of "Majestic Maple Stain" sold by RW Wilson. Give him a call if you want some...304.723.2771
It's fairly cheap...5 bucks a bottle, or something like that.
Hope that's what you're looking for.
Bob

 

[Ron Peek]

Another nice thing about that Majestic Maple stain is that its color is controled by the strength. I dilute it with water: WAY down for a light yellow (like 5 or 6 : 1) lasts forever that way, or 2:1 for a medium dark walnut color. Used full strength it goes really dark, rich reddish brown. Heat from a hair dryer speeds up the drying and intensifies the color. You'll think you ruined the wood when you first put it on as it is very dull and looks kinda artificial, but when you oil the wood the grain pops out like it never will with an oil or gel stain.
Ron