wood grain on stands

[dick benbow]

I purchased this stand as I liked it's style and the price was right. When I showed it to someone I respect for their knowledge of display, they were uncomfortable with the grain
as something to distract from the bonsai displayed upon it. I had never considered that but have to honor their opinion.
It appears the wood is raw so I'm wondering if I shouldn't minwax it a little darker to downplay the grain.

Thoughts or comments?

 

[fourteener]

Just some oil would change the look radically. It simply looks unfinished. As far as the distraction, I would say the pot is covering up most of the top, so you won't even see it.

If you went with a dark stain as opposed to oil, I think the end result would be very dark brown to black appearance.

I'm jealous, I am purchasing some good stands. They have any more?

 

[dick benbow]

Thanks for your thoughts...they asked $50 and i offered $35.00....This little root stand I got for $10.00...8" long X 4 1/2 wide. I pretty much have them wiped out on smaller stuff. They have some nice cascade stands, asking $200. but kinda outa my budget.

 

[Vance Wood]

I purchased this stand as I liked it's style and the price was right. When I showed it to someone I respect for their knowledge of display, they were uncomfortable with the grain
as something to distract from the bonsai displayed upon it. I had never considered that but have to honor their opinion.
It appears the wood is raw so I'm wondering if I shouldn't minwax it a little darker to downplay the grain.

Thoughts or comments?

I would find out what kind of finish was used on the stand in the first place. Minwax produces a host of products ranging from organic to synthetic finishes and not all of them are comparable with each other. If this particular stand has been finished with a water born lacquer you could be in bid trouble.

 

[sikadelic]

I would find out what kind of finish was used on the stand in the first place. Minwax produces a host of products ranging from organic to synthetic finishes and not all of them are comparable with each other. If this particular stand has been finished with a water born lacquer you could be in bid trouble.

You could always strip the finish and go with something to diminish the grain. Finish on top of finish isn't a good idea. I would strip it and start over it if concerns you.

 

[Vance Wood]

You could always strip the finish and go with something to diminish the grain. Finish on top of finish isn't a good idea. I would strip it and start over it if concerns you.

You can put finish over finish if you know what you are doing. I spent my adult life doing it professionally. You may also find it very difficult to strip off Poly Urethane, Catalyzed Lacquer, or Water born Lacquer. My advise would be to simply leave it alone unless you really know what to do.

 

[dick benbow]

Appreciate, you both sharing. thank-you.

 

[Brian Underwood]

It almost looks like it's made from Wenge, but probably not. I don't think the grain is all that distracting, plus with a proper tree most of it will be hidden under the pot. It also looks like it's finished with a oil based product if that helps. If you ever want a custom stand for a very special tree, Jerry Braswell is great.

 

[GrimLore]

Looks to me that you have plenty of "underside" to play with. I would flip it over and experiment on the very bottom of the four feet.

Grimmy

 

[Bonsai Nut]

The wood reminds me of Teak. (See the attached image of teak bonsai stands that look very similar to this one) I don't think the grain is any busier than the carving.

If it is raw wood, you can always wet the underside to see what it would look finished. I personally prefer the look of natural wood without a stain, plus it is really easy to mess up wood with stain if you don't know what you're doing.

If it were me, and I wanted to darken it, I would consider a clear penetrating oil like Linseed or Tung Oil. Apply, wipe off the excess, and you're done. It isn't very durable or protective, but the oil can be reapplied when needed, and it is difficult to screw up the application.