Shoutout to the guy who told me to try a 1/4 inch roundover on maple edges

I did it on a built-in bookcase last week and the finish soaked in way darker along the rounded part, almost like a shadow line. Honestly, it looks kind of cool but it wasn't the plan at all. Do you think this is a common thing with certain woods, or did I just mess up the sanding step?

3 comments

3 Comments

nora1102d ago

Yeah that shadow line effect can actually look really good when it's on purpose. I read a whole forum thread once where people were trying to get that look with dye on rounded ash edges. @drew_reed62 is totally right about the end grain drinking up the finish, it's like a sponge on those curves. I've seen it happen bad on pine trim too, where the rounded part just goes all blotchy and dark. A washcoat of something thin first, like they said, is the real trick to keep it even.

drew_reed622d ago

Maple's end grain on a curve will always suck up more finish. You can seal it first with a thin coat of shellac next time.

robinf512d ago

Oh totally, that shadow line is a classic move! I got the same look on a cherry table edge and ended up loving the happy accident. A quick seal coat first is the only way to beat it if you want it even.