Re: Haywood Wakefield

Here is a copy of that post:

A couple of points. First, the difference between Wheat and Champagne are minimal. In fact over time the two colors are indistinguishable. The color difference was that wheat had a little bit more yellow in it than the champagne. However both finishes were oil based varnish. Over time, oil based varnish yellows, thus the colors become identical.

Next, here's the formula I use, and adapt to the situation, piece or customer's taste:

4 parts of oil based varnish (NOT Poly) 1 part thinner (paint thinner, naptha, mineral spirits, turpentine, etc.) 1 part Minwax Golden Oak (depending on your taste, you may not want to stir this before using) 1/3 to 1/2 part yellow ochre Japan color (some people like Chromium Yellow) 1/4 to 1/3 part flat white interior paint ( the cheaper the better)

Begin by thoroughly sanding and tack ragging the piece. Slop on (literally) one coat with a brush. Wait 10 - 15 minutes, then wipe off with a clean rag, in the direction of the grain being careful not to leave "lumps or bumps".

Leave the piece alone for a day or two (two is better), then lightly sand with a 220 - 320 grit paper, and tack rag. Put on a seal coat of shellac (3 parts denatured alcohol to 1 part shellac out of the can). This will dry in 10 minutes. Do the light sand and tack rag thing once more. Then brush on another coat of the varnish/paint mix. Depending on the wood, your tastes, the color, etc., you can now: - leave it, or - wipe it with the rag, or - brush lighlty with a clean paint brush dipped in thinner with the excess shaken off.