Osage color change in sunlight observation

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

I had never worked with Osage before this summer and wanted to see the UV reaction before it happened to my axe. I took a piece, dyed half of it red (Feibings) and covered it halfway with electrical tape to prevent sunlight from hitting it and stuck it in the back window of a car for 2 months. This is how it came out:

I was surprised to see that the red all but disappeared. Just wanted to share this with the forum as I had wanted to see how dying would change the yellow color, and it seemed to make almost no difference at all. Plus the wood turned out much darker than I had expected after only 2 months. Perhaps this post will be helpful to other individuals without experience with it.

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

I don't think I would use it as much as I do if it didn't turn that lovely chocolate brown...

I have one hanging on a wire in a window in my shop, getting a suntan right now. (well, not right now, it's dark outside- but you get the idea)

 

[mete]

Most woods darken on exposure to light , either natural or electric .In addition dyes and stains may also be affected. Wood may also darken from oxidation .

 

[Jim Rieck]

I use osage orange a lot. I gave a filet knife to my Dad and he used it often and it turned the chocolate brown color (very nice). I gave a filet knife to my brother. He only takes it out of the drawer to do his filet work after a catch. It is still bright yellow 15 years later. I like osage orange because it is as hard as stone and makes a good working handle.

 

[Mahoney]

Most chemical dyes (hydrocarbon based) will break down with UV light exposure and fade or change color. Pigments and some "natural" dyes are color stable when exposed to UV light

 

[cpirtle]

I use a lot of Lignum Vitae and it has a pretty intense reaction to sunlight, for the better IMO.

If you don't want it to change just use a good UV rated outdoor finish. I have a Stevens Favorite I made a new stock for in Padouk and it's been in the sun for hours and never lost its bright red/orange colors.

Here's a good one.

Also, If you like the looks at some point through the darkening process you can always put them in the sun and remove them at the point you want, then coat to lock the colors in.