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Which wood stays redder over time?

21K views 36 replies 26 participants last post by  DromSealis 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have a project I am looking at and I need some red colored wood. It will be exposed but will remain indoors.

I am looking at redheart, bloodwood and Chakte Kok (redwood will be too soft).

Which of those would maintain their color best?

Is there another red colored wood that I haven't thought of?

I would hate to have to dye something red, but at least I know it would take a lot to make it darken or fade.

Thanks
 
#5 · (Edited by Moderator)
Gary stay away from red heart It will turn brown (I have alot of it) ! I also have Bloodwood and hands down would go with Bloodwood Its alot harder and has a great shimmer/chatoyant attributes.
I made a guitar stand (I'll Be posting soon) out of Bloodwood and very white tiger stripped maple a fews years ago and its still the same color as the day I made it !!
Like you said Redwood is too soft and will turn dark red after a finish is applied .
Paduak In my oppion is more orange/red and in time will change color to a brownish ..not as bad as redheart though!
I've never worked with Chakte Kok… I just looked it up here's some info on it … It sounds like it has a lot of the same characteristics as Redheart . http://wiki.bmezine.com/index.php?title=Chakte_Kok&redirect=no

I love Bloodwood I just wish it didn't cost so much.
 
#13 ·
gary ,
i'm with the bloodwood .
i have had one twisted board for 10 years in my exotics stash ,
it's the easyest to spot , it stays red , with no finish .

happy birthday to the wife today !
you two enjoy .
 
#14 ·
I would agree with bloodwood with padauk as a second choice. I also agree with John Gray that a UV inhibitor will keep the color more vibrant. I have heard that Armor All works well on the bare wood prior to finish, but I haven't use it personally. Would need to test it for compatability with your finish.
 
#17 ·
I've had pretty good luck with blloodwood staying fairly red but it's wood and it's going to turn a little bit browner than when you first cut it. How much wood are we talking about and does it need to be wood? Just something for inlay? Maybe solid red corian?
 
#20 ·
From: http://www.a1-wood-flooring.com/exotic-hardwoods.htm

Chakte-kok -The coloring of this lightweight wood can easily fade from an attractive red to a muddy orange or yellow-brown. It grows in the areas from Southern Mexico to Southern Brazil. Also known as "Gateado," "Dominican mahogany," "Cuban mahogany," and "Jamaica mahogany."

Bloodwood - This is a durable, resistant wood with coloring ranging from red to deep brown. Bloodwood grows in Brazil and is also referred to as "Muirapiranga," "Satine Rubane," and "Cardinal Wood." **************************************** - The color of the heartwood of **************************************** ranges from brown to deep red, while the sapwood is lighter. It grows in Australia and is very hard and moderately durable.
 
#25 · (Edited by Moderator)
I wanted to thank all of you for your response. I hadn't thought of Paduak since I have always thought of that as orange. I really like the smell of fresh cut Paduak.

I think I have settled on Bloodwood. I have a piece but it is a real dark red one. I sanded it so I know it is that color all the way through. I will just have to try and find a lighter colored 6 inch square piece in a scrap bin somewhere.

Thanks again!
 
#26 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hi,
I came across this thread in a search regarding Bloodwood.
Perhaps the members on this board can answer a few question about Bloodwood Tree (Brosimum Paraense, Brosimum Rubescens):

Where can I find access to seeds available for purchase?
What kind of soil at what altitude is ideal to cultivate them? Can these trees grow in the US?

Thanks for your help!
 
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