Roger Ballou writes:

I have completed repairs on a solid oak bed and now have to

finish the top rail on the headboard to match the rest of the bed.

This is probably one of the simplest finishes but I've never

learned this one.

The existing finish is just a lacquer toner coat with some amount

of pigment.  The wood was never stained.  The finish somewhat

obscures the grain and there is no pigment settled in the grain.

I'm used to using dye toners but they would be too clear in this

situation.  I'll be using Valspar pre-cat sealer and lacquer.

What do I use as a colorant?

Roger Ballou
Arlington, TX
 

Roger Ballou updates:

Thanks for all the help in solving my toner problem.  I was

surprised to read so many different ways to get similar results.

I've attached pictures of the finished product.

As a base color I mixed an oil based stain from Gemini with

Valspar pre-cat sealer and 50% thinner.  But it wasn't quite

right.  I added and subtracted colors until I was a little closer.

What pulled it together was giving rest of the piece a wipe of

Minwax Puritan Pine.  It brought the finish to life and made

for a satisfactory match.  Top coated the entire headboard

with Valspar pre-cat satin.

Roger Ballou
Arlington, TX