I'm currently working on putting together a long table with cabinets for my TV, and I'm using red oak for the whole project. However, I'm noticing that the wood is only slightly red, and I really want it to have a striking natural red glow. I'm worried that just using shellac or a good finish won't enhance the color enough. Does anyone have tips on how to really bring out the 'red' in red oak? I'd prefer to avoid staining if possible, but I'm open to suggestions if that's the way to get the rich look I'm after.
1 Answer
You might find that hardwoods actually get darker and richer in color when you apply a finish. Try rubbing the surface with some denatured alcohol first; it can often bring out a bit more redness naturally!
Thanks for the tip! Should I use the denatured alcohol before applying a finish, or is it considered a type of finish?