Darkening Alder

[humantorch]

HI all,
I have a TV console I'm making for a client. They have alder cabinets already with a pretty dark 'walnut' looking stain on them but they want the console darker and, of course, they have 'alder' money (basically nothing). I 'd like to use Alder to match at least the grain and figuring of their cabinets but am trying to figure out how to get it really dark. I tried charring, sanding and staining some but the result wasn't quite what I'm looking for. I was thinking maybe coffee grinds and briwax? Anyway I wanted to pick the brains of the experts here to see if anyone had a cheap and easy solution. Again, I'm under the gun with money which makes this all the more challenging.
Thanks!
HT

 

[PA floor guy]

Dyes are a great way to achieve dark colors in tricky woods. I like the general finishes stuff

 

[deepcreek]

If they want it dark, I would use General Finishes Java Gel Stain.  Gel stains work well on difficult woods.  There are other color options but this one is really popular right now.

https://generalfinishes.com/retail-products/oil-base-wood-stains-sealers/oilbase-gel-stains#.VN6C7yw2fzI

You could also try TransTint dye from Homestead Finishing but if you are hand applying (mixed with distilled water) you need to raise the grain and knock it down a couple of times first.  It can be mixed with denatured alcohol but must be sprayed because it dries too fast to get an even finish otherwise.

http://homesteadfinishingproducts.com/transtint-liquid-dyes/

 

[jbasen]

+1 for TransTint.  I've used them for my A&C furniture with QSWO and they are very easy to work with when you mix them with distilled water.  As Deepcreek said, just be sure to pre-treat with distilled water to knock down the grain.

 

[monstrol]

You could try steel wool in vinegar oxidizing solution.  Let a chunk of steel wool sit in a couple of cups of vinegar overnight and use the solution like a stain. Apply it and let it sit for an hour. I used it on project and spilled some on oak and cherry which left the spots black. Its kinda cool.

 

[Floorman70]

you could try "woca antique lye",it`s easy to use and will darken it,have never tried it on alder,so don`t know how dark it will go [scratch chin]

 

[PA floor guy]

I just found the greatest way to darken/age a wood.  It's simply, I learned it via wood whisperer.  Simply use warm water and baking soda.  Paint it on, let it go till it's dry. It will speed up the tannin aging. It's awesome.  I did an entire floor with it this week.  Installed new maple up against 25 year old maple.  Turned out awesome

 

[Grasshopper]

That is a great tip.

I'd love to see pictures of your aged maple.

I just found the greatest way to darken/age a wood.  It's simply, I learned it via wood whisperer.  Simply use warm water and baking soda.  Paint it on, let it go till it's dry. It will speed up the tannin aging. It's awesome.  I did an entire floor with it this week.  Installed new maple up against 25 year old maple.  Turned out awesome

 

[jbasen]

That is a great tip.

I'd love to see pictures of your aged maple.

I just found the greatest way to darken/age a wood.  It's simply, I learned it via wood whisperer.  Simply use warm water and baking soda.  Paint it on, let it go till it's dry. It will speed up the tannin aging. It's awesome.  I did an entire floor with it this week.  Installed new maple up against 25 year old maple.  Turned out awesome

That is a great tip!!

What is the ratio of baking soda to water?

Thanks