Part 1:
I have written in a previous thread about re-veneering 2 old LCW backs. My next step is trying to match the new birch veneer backs to the original color. It's pretty close to plain old amber shellac, but not quite. Have played with mixing some colors that I happen to have, but probably need to hit a good woodworking store to buy something more. I did buy one bottle of Trans-tint amber and mixed with water for a trial, but it is way too yellow!
Part 2:
I have read about stenciled markings in Eames plywood indicating date of manufacture and color, but I have a number stamped on the underside of each seat at the left rear. One has the number 12 and the other has the number 20. They are very small and stamped into the wood with a small hand punch. I have no labels, but they do have the 5-2-5 screw pattern indicating Evans era chairs. I believe one chair to be Calico Ash and the other to be Birch.
Anyone have any thought or knowledge on the above two queries?
Thanks!
.
I remember your other thread. I've been busy and meant to respond.
I had a vintage and a new LCW on my workbench at about the same time.
Odd coincidence that i was doing a forgery to make the new one match the
old...long story.
And a well deserved week off just began an hour ago.
Trans-tint golden brown would have been a better color choice. I stock the
full color range. It is rare that one option is a match. I just mix them and test.
I have also recently been using shellac again. I've never used amber full strength.
50/50 with clear or less amber may work. Trans-tint dissolves in alcohol as
well as water. So you could adjust your shellac with it.
I usually dissolve the tint in a bit of alcohol first before mixing the batch.
Making any color match you just need to invest in a few more options to get
the correct color and do sample tests.
The numbers you mention may relate to original color but over time that surface
has developed a patina and aged. Just need to use your eye and patience.
If you are in NYC bring it on over and we'll fix it.
But not next week. I'll be in a hammock, with a dozen New Yorkers...
and a cold beer.
trans-tint
Rockland,
Thanks for sharing your insights. I am heading to the store and will buy some Golden Brown and whatever else looks like a possibility for a blend.
I would really like to hear more about how you "aged" your new chair, as I have that need for the backs that now look a little too fresh.
Enjoy the lounge! I too am on vacation and hope to make some progress on my chairs before heading to the lake later in the week.
A very kind offer to help me out, unfortunately, I live in the Minneapolis area, Minnesota.
stain matching update
Still struggling to get the stain right. Used sanding sealer and lightly sanded after before applying stain. Took care of the heavier coloration on the grainy area, but allowed for a different type of blotch on other areas. Still not acceptable. Don't want it to look like a hack job after all the time I have taken. Used chemical to strip and am now trying to figure out my next strategy. Am a bit gun shy. Need a stain that sits more on the surface. Waterbased stain is tricky to work with in my limited experience.
shellac
Just reread Rockland's note in this thread. Might be that I need to try his idea of adding transtint to some amber shellac as that will certainly sit on top a bit more. The transtint amber is sooo yellow!
Rockland, would still like to hear about your recipe for aging your new LCW.
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