Mahogany color - what works?

[radhak]

I wanted to use mahogany for some door handles for my oak book cabinets. I find the mahogany i have is pale-pink in color (raw mode, freshly cut with no finish).

I want the deep, dark red that is universally associated with mahogany, but without using stain. Is that possible?

I searched, and found most help in archive posts here on BT3 (of course). what I gather is baking soda+water is supposed to help, or danish / tung oil. Would wipe-on poly work? How about shellac?

So just needed confirmation - what's the best way of getting the dark color of mahogany without staining it. Or as dark as it gets, at least.

[BigguyZ]

I thought Mahogany needs to oxidize to get the dark color- much like cherry. I know there are chemicals that can speed this up, but I'm at a loss right now as to what they are.

[wardprobst]

I wanted to use mahogany for some door handles for my oak book cabinets. I find the mahogany i have is pale-pink in color (raw mode, freshly cut with no finish).

I want the deep, dark red that is universally associated with mahogany, but without using stain. Is that possible?

I searched, and found most help in archive posts here on BT3 (of course). what I gather is baking soda+water is supposed to help, or danish / tung oil. Would wipe-on poly work? How about shellac?

So just needed confirmation - what's the best way of getting the dark color of mahogany without staining it. Or as dark as it gets, at least.

The deep dark red is from water base aniline dye usually, assuming you are talking about the older furniture styles. I don't know what your objections to stain are but I think you'll find to get deep rich red with modern mahogany you'll need to color the wood with a dye, chemical or pigment stain.
DP

[cabinetman]

I want the deep, dark red that is universally associated with mahogany, but without using stain. Is that possible?

I use an alcohol based Red Mahogany aniline dye, with great results. It is an NGR (non grain raising) dye. You can get it in powder form and mix it to desired strength. Constantines carries it. Water based dyes will raise the grain.