Dyeing To Finish This Task

[Jim Frye]

The Son and DIL requested I make them some new trivets like I made years ago, but they wanted them to match the floor covering in the kitchen in their new home . Making the trivets was no big issue (other than the Freud Diablo router bits disintegrating) as I still had the jig I used back then, but matching the flooring has turned out to be a real challenge. I found some aniline dye that can be used to match the color and after weeks of experimenting with scrap maple samples, I have gotten the dye application down. The big issue is the trivets require soaking in Danish Oil to preserve the water based dye and to provide heat resistance. The DO causes a color shift to an amber hue. Here is what I am trying to match. I need to come close to anything on this plank. I will post the finished items later .

[LCHIEN]

This is where I say, I'll cut and assemble the wood, you guys finish it however you like.

[Jim Frye]

Here is a trivet ready for the Danish Oil treatment and a trial piece with the DO done.

[d_meister]

Maybe try mineral oil? I regularly apply it to cutting boards and teak furniture, like the dining table and chairs. After a good soak-in, I give it a good wipe down.

[Jim Frye]

Yes, I did test with MO. MO actually has a slightly higher temperature range and would hold up in this use, but it darkened the COLOR just like the DO did.

[capncarl]

Some furnishings should accent a particular color or style, not necessarily match it identically! Trying to match an engineered wood or color is impossible and lead to sleep and hair loss!