Project Information
I created this sign as a birthday gift for a good friend.
The finish on this sign is what one would call a "Happy Mistake", and it's the main reason I've decided to post this project.
The carving was done via CNC Router and was pretty straight-forward - design on the computer, align the piece in the machine and hit "GO".
What I decided to do after this may baffle a few minds…........
I wanted to blacken the lettering - really dark and I didn't want to use spray paint as I know how nasty the pores in white oak can be.
So I used Black RIT Clothing dye! Full strength, painted into the letters - what was I thinking!??!
Well, once the dye did it's work I rubbed it off and the noticed the fantastic highlights in the grain of the sign - wow! So…....apply some more dye and rub it in all over the surface. Wait a few minutes, and then lightly sand.
Once lacquer was applied, you get what you see here. Nobody could guess what species of wood this was - just a bunch of "Oohs" and "Ahhhs" at the party.
So - don't be afraid to experiment with alternative methods - just don't try it on an already carved sign! ;-)
Cheers!
-bob
The finish on this sign is what one would call a "Happy Mistake", and it's the main reason I've decided to post this project.
The carving was done via CNC Router and was pretty straight-forward - design on the computer, align the piece in the machine and hit "GO".
What I decided to do after this may baffle a few minds…........
I wanted to blacken the lettering - really dark and I didn't want to use spray paint as I know how nasty the pores in white oak can be.
So I used Black RIT Clothing dye! Full strength, painted into the letters - what was I thinking!??!
Well, once the dye did it's work I rubbed it off and the noticed the fantastic highlights in the grain of the sign - wow! So…....apply some more dye and rub it in all over the surface. Wait a few minutes, and then lightly sand.
Once lacquer was applied, you get what you see here. Nobody could guess what species of wood this was - just a bunch of "Oohs" and "Ahhhs" at the party.
So - don't be afraid to experiment with alternative methods - just don't try it on an already carved sign! ;-)
Cheers!
-bob
