Getting to Know Cherry Wood for Woodworking: Cherry wood is a luxurious type of wood. However, many homeowners hunt for this type of wood for furniture, even though it’s a bit pricey.
As a hardwood, cherry wood is best to use in terms of durability and resistance to termites. Having a reddish and olive color with a straight grain pattern, cherry wood naturally has a fine texture and wood grain.
Thus, the color of this wood will darken over time.
In addition, the nature of cherry wood is warm. That’s why it is sometimes used as the main material for woodworking elements in cold or tropical areas.
However, one of the challenges when finishing with this type of wood is to stain for cherry wood. Staining can be a difficult task, especially for beginners. Because sometimes the results are uneven if not done properly.
Characteristics of Cherry Wood
Cherry wood also has some interesting characteristics:
Beautiful wood grain
The wood grain of cherry wood is straight, unlike other types of wood with a wavy grain. The wood surface is also smooth and even.
Even though it is considered a hardwood, with its fine wood grain, cherry wood is also soft and light.
Good elasticity
Since cherry wood is soft and light, making it is easy to cut by machine. It also has a good torsion or good elasticity.
A pleasant wood scent
Cherry wood has a mild and natural scent. Therefore, it is safe to use, and the scent is also safe for your health.
Cherry Wood Application
Cherry wood can be used for many purposes. This wood is very suitable for making luxurious household furniture.
Most furniture made of cherry wood is used in woodworking projects, such as for architectural interior joints, doors, moldings and kitchen cabinets, panels, and flooring.
This type of wood is also widely used in the manufacture of musical instruments and also in special applications for designing ships or boat interiors.
Hard-to-Do Stain Application on Cherry Wood
With a price that is not so cheap, many prefer to use cherry wood to make furniture. However, due to its uneven density, applying wood stains becomes difficult.
Often, many choose to only use transparent wood stain as a finishing method to avoid blotching. Thus, uneven color results can be avoided. Therefore, the right finishing technique is essential to stain cherry wood.
The Right Finishing Technique When Finishing Cherry Wood
Make sure you understand the techniques for finishing cherry wood:
Choosing quality of finishing products
A blotching effect in cherry wood is more common when using solvent-based stains. Therefore, it’s best to use water-based stains.
Hence, water-based stains dry faster and are easier to apply when staining cherry wood. Water-based paint is easier to apply with any finishing technique and has a more natural color than cherry wood.
Choosing a color stain for cherry wood
The color you choose must match the quality of the cherry wood furniture. A light-colored stain will work if you have new cherry wood furniture.
Using a sanding sealer
Sanding sealer is used in the first two layers as a base coat. This is used to avoid the effect of blotching.
Utilizing the wiping technique to stain cherry wood
You should avoid using a brush when applying stain to cherry wood. A wiping technique should be used to even the color.
Utilizing the spray technique for varnish
In addition to applying wood stain color with a clean cloth, you will also need to varnish. This is done to get a shiny surface and to provide protection. Using a sprayer for varnishing technique will get better and smoother results.
Techniques for Applying Stain for Cherry Wood with Liquid Stain
The following steps for applying a liquid stain for cherry wood are simple. You will need to use a dry and clean cloth.
Choose the color of the liquid wood stain, either a light brown or cherry, according to the wood’s original color. If you choose different colors, the result will change the color of the wood.
The application steps are as follows:
- Mix and stir the stain with water.
- Brush evenly in the direction of the wood grain. Brush one at a time then wipes with a cloth since the paint dries quickly.
- Use a cloth (wiping technique) when brushing one section. Press one end of the wood grain to the other to make it even. Repeat brushing and wiping other parts.
- Wait about an hour for the stain to dry before sanding the threshold.
Transparent Cherry Wood Finish
Transparent finishing can be done when you don’t want to bother with the nature of cherry wood that absorbs colors unevenly. Here’s what you need to do:
Tools and materials
- Sandpaper (80-100 and 120-150)
- Tack cloth
- Brush or spray gun
- Clear coat— clear polyurethane coats, glossy or matte clear coats.
Prepare the wood
Sand the wood first with 80-100 sandpaper. Then, sand again using 120-150 sandpaper.
Clean the wood
Grab the tack cloth and get ready to clean the wood. Clean until the wood is even and smooth.
Prepare the clear coat.
Dilute the clear coat according to the recommended use. Apply a clear coat to the wood. Wait for it to dry, then sand it again. Repeat the application of the clear coat until it looks perfect.
How to Finish Cherry Wood with Colored Finish
To finish cherry wood, you can choose to paint it in whatever color you prefer. Follow the tips below:
Tools and materials needed
- Cloth
- Sandpaper
- Brush
- Sealer
- Stain
- Gaze (if necessary)
- Clear coat
Prepare the wood
Do the sanding process as in the transparent cherry wood finish.
Apply sealer
Apply sealer until slightly absorbed. Let the sealer dry. Sand until even and smooth. If necessary, repeat the sealer and sand.
Apply wood stain
Once you evenly apply the wood stain, wait for it to dry. Use sandpaper to clean. Then repeat staining if necessary.
Apply gaze
If you want to use the gaze, apply it after the staining process. Then, wipe it with a clean cloth. As a result, the finishing will look shinier.
Apply a clear coat
Finally, apply a clear coat. Wait for it to dry. Sandpaper again, then repeat if necessary.
