Hello all! I've been scouring the Internet with no success on answering my question. Has anyone here had success with matching Pottery Barn's mahogany stain (i.e. on the Sumatra bed)? I love the color and I'm totally new to staining and finishing so I don't want to waste a ton of cash experimenting with all the possible combinations out there. All I can find in my searching is advice on matching their dark espresso finish. Any advice would be greatly welcomed! :) Thanks in advance!
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claydowling
Fri, 08/19/2011 - 07:57
Non-cheap, non-fast solutions
I'm not sure what's available for non-cheap solutions. For my headboard, my dad decided to try matching a catalog photo's coloring. The solution he used was to make test-boards using the same material, and try different combinations of universal tints.
Universal tints are concentrated dyes that are soluble in water or other solvents, and can be combined to find the shade you want. Woodcraft has a decent-looking basic set for $45. http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2005522/17818/Mixol-10-Piece-Woodworke…
It's mildly labor intensive to use this method, but the dyes won't fade over time, and you can get any color you want.
If you go this route, I recommend picking up a book on finishing (I really like Finishing 101, by Bob Flexner). He had a lot of good advice that will help you avoid common mistakes.
Tsu Dho Nimh
Wed, 08/24/2011 - 17:27
Looking at it ... it's brown
Looking at it ... it's brown with a hint of red in it.
Make some test boards.
General Finishes gel wiping stains "Brown Mahogany" or "Java" mixed with some Georgian Cherry should get you there.
A mix of one part Java and one part Cherry (one measure of each, whether it be teaspoons, or buckets) is a deep reddish brown.
The "Brown Mahogany" is a lighter brown, which will need relatively less Cherry to shift to the red side - maybe 1 unit of cherry to 3 of Mahogany.
Mix some small batches and keep track of the proportions. When you have the one you like, mix up a batch big enough to do the whole piece