#37 Adding Color to Woodturnings

[@geofo60]

Once again you knocked the ball clear out of the park Stephen. Wonderful project, clearly explained & a joy to watch. You & the other turners you gave a mention have truly inspired me to take up this fantastic hobby. Many thanks for sharing & keep them coming. Regards ......... Geof (England).

[@StephenOgle]

Good to hear from you again Geof. I just really enjoy woodwork and one day decided to try my hand at KZbin. The response from subscribers like you is overwhelming sometimes. It really motivates me to push my limits and so I get as much as anyone from my own videos. Thank you again for all your support. As long as I have subscribers like you I will continue to do what I do.

[@MiguelSancheztornoartesano]

That is awesome Stephen, most of us usually do not like to ad color, and add texture when the wood is not specially figured, but a well done job in coluring is definetly a technic to give a tray and you did it very well, Thanks for sharing. Take care my friend Miguel

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Miguel for taking time to comment and support my channel. I know you are very busy right now with your move. I hope all goes well with it and you can get your new shop up and running very soon. Thanks again for everything.

[@VictorGallagherCarvings]

Great video Stephen ! Everytime I watch your channel I learn something new. Thanks

[@StephenOgle]

Glad you are enjoying my channel Victor. Thank you for commenting and for your support.

[@CarlJacobson]

Very cool Stephen! I really like the way the color brings out the figure in the wood. Take care, Carl

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Carl, for your comments and support. Oh by the way. Loved the Pinewood derby entry.

[@jimmiller4526]

Very nice bowl Stephen. Love the way the multiple colors all came out together!

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Jim, Glad you like it. Thanks for commenting.

[@johncuckow4733]

Great informational video Stephen. Making mistakes is part of our ongoing learning process and I am pleased to see you show the problems that you have because we will all learn from this. Many thanks. John.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks John for your comments. I honestly did not think the glue would cause that much contrast. Well, I was wrong. Glad you got something out of this video. Thank you for your support.

[@tshirtfactory07]

Stephen.... you inspire this fellow Georgia boy. your videos are top notch, real deal, and down to earth. thank you for what you do.

[@garypollington1495]

top marks Stephen, very nicely done, gorgeous when finished

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Gary. Glad you enjoyed this project. Thank you for commenting.

[@MikeWaldt]

Excellent video Stephen, you did that bowl proud my friend. I don't normally like colouring wood, but this looks great, and brings out the grain nicely. Great job. Take care Mike

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you again Mike, I normally do not use colors, I love natural wood, but sometimes I just want to mix things up a little. I will use them if I think it will enhance the piece and not detract from it. Once again I thank you for commenting and for your support.

[@watcherdude1330]

Well Stephen ANOTHER great video. I realize that this video is 4 years old but I just seen it, and I'm so glad I did. I learned along with you the does and donts. I can REALLY relate to your style of work and your way of explaining everything. I'm new to lathe work and am hoping to one day be half as good as you are on the lathe. Just want to thank you and let you know how appreciative I am for your willingness to educate people like myself .

[@earlrumble1692]

Another fine project! Thanks for sharing. I also appreciate your pointing out where you would change approaches for the next time. I always learn a lot from your videos, for example, I tried rotating the headstock on my Grizley on my last project and it really helped keep the sides of my canister straight. Keep up the great work.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Earl for commenting. Yes, being able to rotate the headstock can be a definite advantage. Glad you enjoyed this video, also. Thanks for your support.

[@TawdryTempest]

The bowl is gorgeous and your turning was hypnotic.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you sir. I'm glad you enjoyed this project. Your comments are truly inspirational.

[@TawdryTempest]

Ha ha I'm a woman. You couldn't tell from my picture? ;)

[@StephenOgle]

LOL!! Sorry.

[@georgewhitfield2176]

Turned out very pretty. Colourful you might say. Gave me some ideas to try myself so thanks for showing us this video. Cheers/George

[@StephenOgle]

George Whitfield Thank you George. Glad you enjoyed this project. Thanks for commenting.

[@alansimpson596]

Very interesting video Stephen. I've been turning seriously for about 2 years and initially I thought I would never colour a piece but I tried a little a few months ago with some acrylic paint and I was very happy with the result so never say never. I'm glad you use tung oil as that's the high point for me when I'm finishing as it always seems to enrich the wood. Thank you very much and I look forward to your next upload. Best wishes from sunny Ireland, Alan.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Alan. A lot of woodworkers will not use colors and I normally do not use them myself. However; sometimes, You may just want a different look, you know. I will use Tung oil on almost every project. I like the way it bringsout the natural colors and it is fast curing. Glad you enjoyed the video and Thank you for your support.

[@Lee-qp6gf]

Nice video Steve. I like poplar and what I have been doing, so I can finish something without waiting several months, is laminating five and six layers of 1x12 and turning large bowls out of those blanks. Some very interesting colors when done. I found some that had almost black graining and that was astounding.

[@StephenOgle]

Sweet idea Lee, I came across this wood after a storm took it down a couple of years ago. Now it is lathe food. I laminate boards also for blanks and you are right about the interesting colors and figures. Thanks for commenting and supporting my channel.

[@davidblalock9945]

I have to agree with you on the look and utility of Poplar. Its a great wood to work with, and it takes stains very well. Every once and a while I'll find a poplar board at lows that is just filled with color. And they make some wonderful bowls.

[@trimman56]

very nice my southern brother . like you say its all a learning process. i follow you , carl , mike , and a few others one day Ill show you my work . I learn a lot from you guys. you in carolina

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Chuck, I believe it is the learning that is the fun part. I learn from my own videos by doing the projects. I thank you for watching my videos and hope you can get something from all of them. Long live the South, brother.

[@Mjddjmmjd]

You've got some mad skills. Thanks for sharing your talent

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Laura for the suggestion. I will try these techniques with my next dyeing project. I believe it will be better for the piece and as far as wasted dye. Again thanks for the suggestion. Oh yeah, I do still have this piece. LOL. Thank you for your thoughtful comments and for supporting my channel.

[@slindsley1951]

Nice project Steve. I've been thinking about coloring my next bowl. After watching your video I think I'll give it a go. Keep up the good work!

[@StephenOgle]

Glad you liked it Steve, I have been coloring projects for a couple of years now and find you can really bring out otherwise undetectable features. Thanks for commenting and send me a pic when you finish your colored piece. I look forward to seeing it.

[@peterbrownwastaken]

I honestly didn't know you could do that. Cool!

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks again, for your comments. Always good to hear from you. Take care.

[@Redthumb45]

There's a technique that watercolor artists use when they want colors to blend. They wet the board first and apply the color to the wet surface. The degree of blending will depend on the wetness of the area being treated. I'd like to experiment with that technique to see if it would yield a good result on wood. Your experiment with color on this project made me remember having seen that years ago. Keep up the great work Stephen.

[@StephenOgle]

+Redthumb45 Thank you sir. I'm glad you enjoyed this project. That sound really useful and I will give it a shot also. Thank you for your suggestion and the details of how to do it.

[@williamkowalski3816]

Nice Job, something I will definitely try coloring wood!

[@StephenOgle]

William Kowalski Thanks William. Coloring wood can add a new dimension to your work. Give it a shot and you may like what you come up with. Thanks for commenting.

[@jeffoldham3466]

great looking bowl Stephan,,,im going to try coloring one I made this week,,i have learned so much from you,,,gotta watch your videos,,take care my friend,,,

[@jamesstanlake4064]

Poplar does have some interesting colors in it. You will find the consistent light color and of course the greens but also black streaks and often purple with the black streaks. I am a 3rd generation cabinet and furniture maker by trade and used poplar for blocking and support blocking and corner supports. I have seen poplar highly figured as well. It's grain consistency makes it a excellent choice for wood turning. WE creat many different items and nature provides the beauty of the wood; blending them together make for a incredible effect.

[@StephenOgle]

James Stanlake Thank you James. I see you share my same sentiment regarding Poplar. It really is a beautiful wood and it is also very good for turning and other wood projects. I have seen the figuring and black streaking but I would love to see the purple. Thanks for commenting and I'm glad you enjoyed this project.

[@JohnWilliams-oq5nm]

I look forward to seeing it in person soon - looks great!

[@StephenOgle]

See you tomorrow, John. Have a good trip.

[@duanebrooks468]

Enjoyed the lesson. Never thought of using Rit dye.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Jeffrey, for your comments. I really prefer the Artisan Dyes because they are alcohol based. However; the RIT dyes simply take longer to dry. Both are good products. Thank you for your support.

[@ChrisWoodBandit]

I learned several things from watching this. I have tried coloring things I turned several times, with some turning out pretty cool and some being pretty crummy. I never tried the part where you took one color and went over the whole thing, I think that really made yours look great. I will for sure do that next time.

[@Robbiethewoodturner]

well done Stephen it turned out nice i had the sane problem with CA glue no worries looking foreword to more colour hey maybe some texture throwing in Take care Robbie

[@StephenOgle]

Hey, Thanks Robbie. Yeah, I believe I can work with the CA and make it finishable. Excellent idea with the texturing. I have a homemade chatter tool I may try. Thanks Robbie for your comments and for your support.

[@icespeckledhens]

I enjoyed watching the video and it has given me some ideas thanks James

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you James. Glad you enjoyed this project and found it helpful, sir.

[@oldwolfswoodshop]

Excellent tutorial, good job.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you John, Glad you enjoyed this video. Thanks for your support.

[@alanrodriguez3172]

thanks Steve I always learn something from you

[@StephenOgle]

Glad I can help Alan. I really like the networking with subscribers. We can all learn from it. Thanks for commenting and for your support.

[@The1bigjim]

Steve; You might try sealing your work with a 50/50 solution of super blonde shellac and denatured alcahol before using the super glue.you will find sanding a breeze.Shellac sticks to everything and everything sticks to shellac.Great stuff. Good job,keep up the good work.Jim

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Steve for your suggestion, You sure are right about Shellac. It truly is the universal finish. That could work and I will have to try it. We will see how it turns out. Thank you for your comments and for your suggestion.

[@adamquincey4371]

Very nice indeed! Great video...

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Adam, I appreciate your compliments, and thanks for your support.

[@efrancis19]

Stephen, this bowl is absolutely gorgeous. Great job on coloring. I did something quite similar on an urn a year or two ago, using Minwax stains, and it turned out very nice. In fact, it sold right away. I agree with you that Poplar can be beautiful, especially when worked the way you have. One suggestion if you don't mind, regarding the superglue repair. I have found that the thin superglue soaks into raw wood quite deeply, and it takes a LOT of sanding to get down to good wood. To prevent this, I take some beeswax and rub it on the surfaces adjacent to the crack before supergluing. That way, the glue won't penetrate the surface and it will sand off quickly. Again, beautiful job my friend.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Eric, I made a lid for my father's urn which was bought as a glass vase. I used these same methods and even used some Pearl Ex pigments. The match was almost perfect. Well at least the lid looked like it was just part of the piece. The method you talked about to keep the glue from soaking in deep is very good. I have used this method for other projects and think it is the perfect answer to the problem. Thank you Eric for your suggestions and support.

[@Ronalcock1]

Love it Stephen, thanks for sharing. Ron

[@jameslachance240]

Nice job! I will try it with cottonwood which grows everywhere out here in Wyoming. Try putting down a single coat of shellac or polyurethane, or any kind of hard finish before you make your repairs with ca glue. You still have to sand, but it keeps the glue from migrating. Thanks for the video!

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you James for your comments and your suggestion. I like the idea of using a thin coat of finish before the actual repairs. I will try this in the future. I have never seen Cottonwood. I would like to see a pic when you get something finished out of it. Again thank you for commenting and also for your support of my channel.

[@paultrembath201]

Great work Stephen. I will be giving it a try soon. The blending and overlay of color seemed to make the piece. Keep up the good work Regards Paul.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Paul, I'm really glad you liked the video. Send me a pic when you finish your piece, if you don't mind. I would like to see it. Thank you for your comments and support.

[@trevsutton8185]

Hi Stephen, great project, wasn't sure how you would blend the colours together as they looked so different to one another at the start but it worked really well , wonder how it would look with a high gloss finish !! You've got me thinking!! Thanks for another inspiring video and keep up the good work my friend. Trev

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Trev for comments. The blending can be very astonishing and different from the original colors. I think a glossy finish would really Pop on this type of work. Thanks for your compliments and support.

[@billkirby1458]

thank you for a good lesson I am a new turner but I have learned so much you and capt. eddie

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Bill. Glad you are enjoying my channel and finding it helpful. Thanks for commenting.

[@scottconstable2352]

Great video. I have seen a couple of videos on adding colour, and will be trying in on some future pieces. This will make my daughter happy, who keeps asking if she can paint some of the bowl I have done. Also, I have been offered pieces of Poplar a couple of times, and have turned it down, thinking it wouldn't be much to look at. I am now reconsidering that choice and will be interested to try some.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Scott for your comments, Poplar is also really nice to finish clear. I think you will enjoy your results. If not, let your daughter at it with her paint brush, either way I think you will be happy with the end result. Thank you for commenting and supporting my channel.

[@thehemiwarrior]

Came out pretty cool. Keep up the good work.

[@StephenOgle]

+thehemiwarrior Thank you. Glad you enjoyed this project.

[@jimmyking6466]

Great piece.Try sanding sealer on each side of the crack before using the CA works great for me.Thanks for the video.

[@StephenOgle]

Excellent idea Jimmy. I think that will work. Thank you for your input and support of my channel.

[@paulalderton3187]

well done Stephen well explained will give it a go I reckon cheers ,,paul,,

[@StephenOgle]

Go for it Paul, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting and for your support.

[@kbbacon]

Looking good! Nice effect.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks again Kevin for you comments and all your support.

[@mrlacroft]

Thank you. Another lesson learned.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you for commenting, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@bigpete4227]

Got to admit that at first I wondered about this project. As soon as you started to put the oil on it started to come together, I should have more faith.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you sir. Glad you watched it all the way through. I really like this technique and you can really get some interesting colors.

[@stringmanipulator]

It turned out beautiful. I've had similar problems with superglue and I've gotten better result using thicker superglue when repairing cracks. Also it seems the alcohol based dye seems to penetrate the areas near the "repairs" a little better. But sometimes I've had to go over it with some sharpies or something to conceal the last of it .. well anyway.. really nice work and thank you for sharing

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you for commenting and for the suggestions. I agree that the alcohol based dies work much better for dyeing the superglue (which is just plastic when cured). I do use sharpies a lot for concealing blemishes and it works great. Thanks again for all your support.

[@jimschehl8325]

Vary nice . I like poplar also I will have to try the coloring.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Jim. Good luck on your coloring. Thanks for commenting and for your support.

[@wayneblackburn2646]

I'm a novice woodturner, but I have a suggestion regarding the superglue on the surface. Presumably you are planning to sand it off, but in some cases (I don't know if this works, I'm afraid), you might try adding some of the "Liquid Gold Leaf" to the glue before it dries, to give the look that is sometimes seen in older pottery that has been cracked or broken, and they mended it with gold.

[@StephenOgle]

+Wayne Blackburn Wow, I love it!! I will give it a try. I already have the gold leaf. Thank you sir for your suggestion.

[@yuvallahav]

Great video, I've seen some coloring videos, and it seems they all come out perfect in the end (or they wouldn't publish them?), but I've always been too scared to try it for my self, didn't want to ruin a perfectly good looking bowl, good wood is scarce where I am... I'll probably make some tests with some Oak, it's light in color and vary porous... Thanks again for the upload Stephen!

[@StephenOgle]

You are welcome Yuval. Thanks for commenting. The dye only penetrates the surface and therefore could actually be taken back off if necessary. I would really like to see some pics when you complete your first coloring project.

[@brinsonb]

That was pretty cool, I have been trying to play with colours but it's hard to get dye's . Next trip to lee valley I"ll try there water based dye. And for the ca glue, hey thats how we learn and with you leaving it in the video without fixing it and editing it out a lot of other people will learn from it. The rite dye you used is that clothing dye.? Again thanks for taking the time to share your video. Look forward to your next one.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you sir for your comments. I always try to leave my mistakes in the videos so that others may learn from them also. The RIT dyes I used in this video were water based clothing dyes available at Craft Stores like Hobby Lobby, and Michael's. They can also be found at Wal Mart. I do however prefer the Artisan Dyes from Woodcraft. Thank you for commenting and supporting my channel.

[@292Brad]

Good project. Have you tried rubbing out the wax with an old nylon stocking? A trick I learned in the Navy many years ago.

[@StephenOgle]

No sir, however I am willing to give it a shot. Does it polish better? The paper towels work well but I will give this a try. Thank you for your suggestion and comments.

[@lauracullen3895]

If I may make a suggestion: when beginning your dye dilution, place a quantity of dye into empty cups, Then add your diluent a bit at a time until you reach the tint level and volume you need. Additional drops of dye can intensify your tint if needed. You will use & waste less dye (& clean up less if you have a spill). I will be at your house to get that beautiful bowl.

[@petecy9592]

that came out nice

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Pete, for commenting and supporting my channel.

[@123halarty]

A common mistake is the spelling of poplar. You give fine videos Steven. Keep going!

[@winmichaels3288]

I liked what you did, very abstract and beautiful. How thick were the sides of this bowl?

[@StephenOgle]

Win Michaels Thank you sir. Glad you enjoyed this project. The wall thickness is about 3/16 inch. Didn't want to go to thin on a usable bowl. Thin is nice to show off to other turners but not practical to actually be used day to day. Thank you for commenting sir and supporting my channel.

[@jimdaughtridge3845]

Thank you for another informative and interesting video. I enjoy your presentation and your craftsmanship. What type of pen are you using to sign your work?

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Jim for commenting and I'm really glad you enjoy watching my videos. I use a super fine Sharpie to sign with. Thanks for your support.

[@kevinkrull5483]

Beautiful results Stephen! I'm glad you posted this, I've wanted to try a multi-colored dyeing for a while, but wasn't sure how to blend the colors. Let me ask, how wet was your blank that you started with? I've only attempted to color dry turnings. Thanks, Kevin p.s. I'm also a huge fan of the look of poplar.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Kevin, This wood was very seasoned. Probably 8 to 10%. I would worry that green wood would keep the RIT dyes from curing properly. However; the Artisan dyes may give a better result. Good luck on your piece. When you get it complete I would like to see a pic or two if you don't mind. Thank you for your support.

[@johnl4469]

Thanks Steve, nice learning with you. Good end result, though a shame about the superglue :)

[@StephenOgle]

Ha! Good lesson learned there. Actually wood glue is the better choice here. Thanks again.

[@jameshudson7053]

nice work man... I've run into superglue trouble before myself but i learned from it too

[@StephenOgle]

+James Hudson Thank you James. Glad you enjoyed this project. I learn something with every project. That is the best part I think.

[@shellyrappaport3864]

Good video. Ilearned a lot. Thank you. Do you have a brother named Rick in Indiana?

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Shelly. Glad you enjoyed this project. I only have one brother and he lives in my same town. sorry

[@timothymcswain6235]

Camo bowl nice

[@StephenOgle]

timothy mcswain Thank you Timothy. Yes, it does look like camo. Never really thought about it. Thanks for commenting.

[@Buzzsawman]

I have the exact same model lathe that you have. and I have a question. As time goes by do you find the speeds getting slower on the top end and faster on the low end. For instance...when I put a new belt on I can get the lathe down to nine hundred rpm on the low end and over three thousand on the top end. After about a month of daily turning...the low end won't go below twelve hundred rpm and it won't go above twenty seven hundred rpm on the top end...I am considering scrapping the lathe and going for a jet when I can afford it.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you sir for your question. I find that the variable transmission on these lathes wear on belts. I can generally get a good year or more with a new belt. As the belt wears and thins it makes the lathe spindle spin faster. A new belt should make it spin slower. I am generally around 600 rpm to 2400 with a new belt, but as it wears it will get from 1000 up to around 3400. Your purchase of the Jet lathe would not be a bad Idea. However; you would be hard pressed to find one with a full 2hp such as is on your Grizzly. They really have good power throughout the range. Hope you have found this helpful. Thanks for your question and for your support.

[@anthonycammilleri4479]

Thanks for the video, Stephen. I really enjoy your your turning! While we are on the topic of lathes and given this video is a few years old, did you get a new Grizzly lathe? I thought it looked different in some of your newer videos. The reason I ask is because I am considering the G0766, but worry about high pitched sounds coming from the VFD. Any thoughts on that?

[@shawncharton9416]

If you had used water-thin super glue and wicked it in with a whip tip it wouldn't have done that. The colors are awesome. I love it.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you Shawn. Excellent Idea. I think you are absolutely correct. I just did not have a whip tip at the time. Thank you.

[@issylynn8304]

good job

[@StephenOgle]

+Issy Lin Thank you Issy

[@twagner6155]

I would have shot it with my detail gun to blend it and like you say I would hope the super glue would sand out. I might finish it w/ salad bowl finish or mineral oil if it's for food.

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you sir for your comments and suggestions. I really like the idea of using a detail or airbrush gun. Never tried it before. Excellent idea. I myself have just never liked the finish of the Salad bowl finishes and mineral oil never cures. This way I still get a non-toxic finish with a nice sheen. Thank you sir for your suggestions and for all your support of my channel.

[@casi1955]

Hi Stephen, I tried to send you a picture of my bowl i made to see if you would tell me your thought's but your You Tube sent it back to me.How can i send you a picture if you don't mind. Thank you Katy

[@StephenOgle]

Sorry about that. I don't know if KZbin will attach pics. You can send it to my email. [e-mail]. I look forward to getting the pics.

[@adalbertotorres3044]

boa tarde Stephen qual tipo de tinta usar ficou muito lindo

[@StephenOgle]

+Adalberto Torres Thank you sir. Glad you enjoyed this project.

[@TawdryTempest]

RIT dyes. www.ritstudio.com/ Geralmente para vestuario.

[@robertkutz9540]

STEPHEN nice color job , i put tape on each side of the crack then ca glue works for me.

[@StephenOgle]

Thanks Robert for your comments and the suggestion. This method would work really well with the tape. Just to keep it from getting around the edges is the key. Thanks for commenting and for your support.

[@TirolerDrechsler]

Hallo Stephen, schade wegen der Risse ansonsten ein sehr lehrreiches und interessantes Video. Schöne Arbeit! Gruß Tiroler Drechsler

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you for your comments. Normally I like the cracks because they make a piece unique. This one was a little different since I was using the colors. Will not happen again. Hopefully. Thank you for all your support.

[@keithkelley7512]

Beautiful job! I learned a little "super glue" trick . I like to fill cracks and voids with ground up turquois and coral. I wipe a tiny amount of wax up to the crack that will receive the glue. The glue will not stick to the wax. When dry, wipe off the wax, sand and finish. Just don't get the wax into the crack.

[@StephenOgle]

Excellent advise Kieth. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Thank you for commenting and for helping support my channel.

[@davidblalock9945]

End result kinda makes it look like its got a Forest Camo pattern.

[@shandrazylstra9513]

B

[@StephenOgle]

Thank you!

[@Vet6970]

looks great