OLD WORLD STAINS  (PRINTABLE PDF)

Sutherland Welles Ltd.® Concentrated Stains™ enhance the natural beauty and graining of any wood. Developing a rich patina takes years - now it is a brush stroke away with our Old World palette. Each of the colors in our line instantly ages any new wood, allowing color matches with vintage woods that are unparalleled. Multiple colors may be layered to “antique” wood creating the variegation in wood that occurs over time. Mixing colors gives a multitude of bold or subtle unique variations. The stain is formulated in a concentrated solution to allow you, the finisher, to be the artist and control color value. Diluted with our Tung Oil Reducer™, or with any of the Sealer consistencies of our entire line of wood finishes, the color penetrates deep into the wood fibers bringing out the grain’s true definition and develops the rich Old World patina. The Concentrated Stain can also be used without dilution for maximum color intensity. Formulated with our Polymerized Tung Oil, a touch of varnish, low toxic mineral spirits and aniline dyes; these non-pigmented colors are a part of the complete finishing process that guarantees years of enhanced beauty as natural aging of the wood occurs.

DETERMINING COLOR VALUE
The best way to determine the finishing formula for colors is to develop a sample. In determining the degree of dilution, it is important to use a ratio of color to Reducer/Sealer that is easy to multiply. We work with whole parts and half parts. In general, it is better to start with a lighter version of the color and add incremental parts of color, otherwise you are using all your Sealer to dilute a dark solution to the value you desire. After you are satisfied with your sample, you can then calculate the amount of color and Sealer/Reducer that you will need to complete an entire project, this is usually based on square footage. In most instances, you can use the square foot coverage of a second coat of Sealer to determine how much stain you will need.

DILUTION SCHEDULE FOR CONCENTRATED COLOR
After the final sanding , we recommend sealing the wood first with a clear coat of the Sealer formulation of the specific Sutherland Welles Ltd.® line you are working with. The exceptions to this rule would be if you are working with really dark colors or veneers. In those applications, to obtain adequate color density adding color to the first coat of Sealer may provide better saturation. We use color mixtures that intensify in value as the layers are applied; that is starting with a light dilution and adding more color with each coat that is applied until the desired “color depth” is achieved.

The following are guidelines for color to Reducer or Sealer ratios:
Extra Light - for tinting purposes. Mix 1 part stain with 8-10 parts Reducer or Sealer.
Light - Mix 1 part stain with 4-6 parts Reducer or Sealer.
Medium - Mix 1 part stain with 2-3 parts Reducer or Sealer.
Dark - Mix 1 part stain with 0-1 part Reducer or Sealer.

APPLICATION OF CONCENTRATED COLOR
The temperature and humidity guidelines for using the Concentrated Color are the same as for the finish coats. The best method for applying the colors to insure a uniform coating is with a good quality natural bristle brush. The brush allows you to control how much color is applied. As with all our finishes, the concept is always to build multiple, thinly applied coats. This technique assists in providing a cure rate that is within a 12-24 hour time frame enabling you to apply a coat a day. The darker the dilution the longer the cure time. If you are using the stain in the concentrated form, right out of the can, the cure rates can be as long as 72 hours depending on the thickness of the coat, humidity and temperature .

After applying the color you have two options. The first option is to wipe the surface down which will soften or lighten the color vibrancy. A dry surface avoids lots of dust particles in the cured surface that will have to be sanded before proceeding to the finish coats. The second option is to allow the color to remain on the surface. This option gives a more intense color value and a higher sheen. However, the surface stays wet so long, dust and other particles will settle in the surface, which will require sanding or rubbing with #0000 steel wool before final coats of finish can be applied. Surface applied color (not wiped) extends the cure rate.

It is imperative that you check to make sure the surface is cured before proceeding to re-coat. Cure Test: To avoid STREAKING AND FLASHING in the finish perform the cure test prior to applying a coat of finish. Streaking and flashing are the appearance of dull spots in the finish. This occurs when moisture is trapped in the layers of finish due to insufficient curing time. Push your finger tips against the grain of the wood over various parts of the surface to be re-coated. If they glide easily over the surface - you are ready to apply your next coat. If there is any “grab” or friction felt, you will need to wait longer for this coat to cure. Repeat the cure test every two-four hours until your fingers slip easily across the surface.

FINISH COATS
After you are satisfied with your color coat(s), the surface then needs to be protected. A minimum of two coats of either Low, Medium or High Lustre of the particular line you are using is recommended to give the surface adequate protection and enrich the hand-rubbed look. Please follow the directions on the labels for best results. Adding a small amount of color (tint formula) to each topcoat you apply intensifies the depth of color and will hide any sanding or steel wool marks that emerge as you sand or rub out between coats.

OLD WORLD CONCENTRATED STAIN™ PALETTE
Available in  Cherry, Ebony, Light Heart Pine, Dark Heart Pine, Light Oak, Medium Oak, Dark Oak, Mahogany, Walnut and Warm Pine. Packaged in pints, quarts and gallons.

COVERAGE
Depends on dilution. Use the square footage for the second coat of Sealer as an approximation.  35-50 sq. ft/pint 150-200 sq. ft./quart, 600-800 sq.ft/gallon..

©Sutherland Welles Ltd.®.11/01, 4/03. All rights reserved.

Please Take a look at our Old World Stain colors.

Key Benefits

Quantity discounts are available.

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Last modified: September 26, 2007