I'm planning to build a guitar and need a vibrant, natural red wood for the inlays. I've previously used Padauk, which looks amazing when new but fades to a dull brown over time. I've been considering bloodwood—does it also fade? Are there any other red wood options that maintain their color?
3 Answers
Cherry wood actually oxidizes to a brighter red rather than brown, which makes it more beautiful as time passes. It's the only one I know that stays more vibrant over time.
Most woods will oxidize, but you can stabilize the color by adding a small amount of dye to your finishing oil. This can help preserve the vibrant look for a longer time. It's tough because sunlight and oxygen are both essential for life, but they can really dull the wood's appearance.
Bubinga might be a great choice—it's pretty red and tends to hold its color well. If you're after something really vibrant, consider dyeing maple or holly instead!
I get that all woods will oxidize to some extent. I'm just looking for something that won't turn brown over time.