Van Dyke Crystals

[GeoSpectrum]

I've just started experimenting with Van Dyke Crystals as a way of staining unfinished mouldings. I like what I see so far but was wondering how people go about achiveing a consistant colour on diffrent batches? I guess it's careful measuring of water and crystals? And what sort of shelf life does the stain have once mixed? More stuff to learn!

Thanks

[vintage frames]

Look on Van-Dyke stain as a base antiquing colour. It can be mixed with any commercial water based wood stain to give that stain an antique tint. Best mixed to a med to strong colour( hot water for mixing) and then diluted to use. The stain will keep indefinately.

[fusionframer]

I use a lot as I also restore antique furniture so use for frames as well. I do keep a measure as I mix, so know what goes into each. As mentioned above, I will last until run out. I have about 30 shades mixed at the moment and what I do is use an offcut of an ash frame which sits above each jar on the shelf so I know what shade each one gives.

Mix it using boiling water, and make sure it is well mixed. I also find that as it cools, it darkens a few shades, I guess as the crystals all finish dissolving, so bear that in mind as you mix.

I am a big fan of them, they go on very well, I apply with a brush, but wipe with cloth quite quickly after applying to get an even finish.

Cheers

Nick

[GeoSpectrum]

Vintage Frames, are there any commercial water based wood stains that you would recommend?

[vintage frames]

I use the Fiddes range of wood stains including their concentrated colours. If you're going to wax over the colour, I'd recommend the Fiddes shellac sanding sealer. Save on postage by buying through "Rest Express"

[GeoSpectrum]

Thanks.