Kurt’s Workshop

I know some people don’t like poplar, probably because it’s not a true hardwood. It exists somewhere in between, sort of like aspen. But I love the stuff and for the rght application it can be stunning in a way that other woods cannot. The heartwood can be all different colors, from gray to brown to purple to green and lots of things in between. When clear finish is applied overtop, it makes the colors pop, and you get something very special. This photo is not clear coated, but you can imagine what the colors will be like.

Two things: One. It has come to my attention that if you search for a certain type of paint which appears in one of my photos, Google in it’s infinite wisdom will bring you to my blog. I was not expecting this, nor do I particularly care, but I fell I should say a few words about why I hate the stuff. Basically it’s like trying to paint with some kind of watery baby powder. I tried rolling, brushing, and spraying the stuff. It’s bad, and the words fast hide on the label I feel are very misleading. On the other hand, it’s just about the cheapest thing you can buy in 5 gallon buckets at Lowes. So perhaps it’s my own fault. Speaking of my own fault…Two. Here are some pictures of what happens when you sponge tinted shellac on pine. It’s not that I don’t like it, it’s just that I’m not sure about it. And yes I know that pine typically stains in this fashion (the technical term would be blotchy) without the use of a pre-stain agent.

I suppose it does have a certain charm abut it.