Finishing walnut

[gvforster]

How would I finish walnut to get the 18th c reddish color; also is using a grain filler period correct?

 

[Jeff L Headley]

A light yellow aniline dye with a red tinge added should do the trick. Remember to wet the surface with water to raise the grain first before shading. Watch out for overlap.

 

[msiemsen]

I like a coat of Orange or garnet shellac. try a 1 to 1 1/2 pound coat and use it like a toner. Once you get the color right use clear shellac. Try any of these ideas on scrap first.