Finishing Mahogany: 3 Tips for Beautiful Color in Your Woodworking Projects

UPDATE 1/23/2018
We've got a newer mahogany finishing video you should check out:
• Here's A Beautiful Way...
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More on the Blog: www.woodworkerssource.com/blog...
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Genuine mahogany is fortunately a beautiful wood that's very easy to work with and rather easy to finish. But there are a few things you can do when finishing mahogany for your projects to make it look its absolute best. In this video we cover 3 things: how to fill the grain to achieve a good smooth top coat, how to stain the wood, and how to use dye, filler, and stain to get a deep red antique mahogany color. There's a lot of information in this short video, so post your questions if you'd like.

[@photorebel1]

That last demonstration was stunning. I have a mahogany buffet that I'm preparing to clean up and re-finish. I'm actually pretty excited to start now -- thanks for all the info!

[@carresteigerwald3278]

How did it go? I've just discovered my buffet is a Brickwede and has a horrible mess on it. I just started sanding it, and excited to see it all coming off!

[@koltray8576]

Check out oil with alkanet pigment.

[@duncanwallace7174]

Thank you so much for all these finishing vids - they are EXACTLY what I've been looking for ... clear, consise and thorough - for a beginner like me they are invaluable and I shall refer to you every time I come to finish a project. I'm in the UK which ofen makes it hard to learn from American videos as the products and brand names are different, but thanks to you I know I need to look for an oil based stain or a de-waxed shellac etc rather than just the brand (although try buying denatured alcohol over here & you're in for a long day!). Anyway, thanks again for sharing your knowledge - if you could keep working your way through all the species that would be great! ;)

[@wildchameleon7622]

The red dye and dark fill at the end is beautiful!

[@JulianPaulJonesSfatcu]

WONDERFUL LESSON! Thank you very much for posting it! Julian

[@iced327]

great stuff for someone just getting started with mahogany. thanks!

[@jasonmatashi4821]

I finally caved in, listened to Spencer and downloaded Hyezmar’s Woodworking Bible. Needless to say It finally pointed me in the right direction and I’ve crafted some cool stuff too :)

[@timothydeyoung5653]

My favorite wood finishing video, your method works great!

[@katekelly691]

Great video! Working on a new project-dog kennel for my Cane Corso. I will definitely look into some of your suggestions for a finished product. Thank you.

[@InventionTherapy]

Products made of wood can be so beautiful!

[@kristi9417]

This helps so much. I ruined my nightstand with nail polish remover and it stripped the base coat along with the stain. I have a dark reddish mahogany finish on my furniture much like your demonstration. Nail polish is strong! Never again haha

[@RecklessTheory]

this helped me figure out why my stain wasn't coming out right on an oak table top I was trying to refinish. The wood filler technique should fix it so the stain comes out properly. Theres so much to know about species and how they should be handled when finishing them but I think this video tackles the largest issue among them which is how porous it is and how to work with it if it is porous.

[@cherfieldm]

Thanks very informative. Just asking how many times you apply the varnish? and what is the procedure? Please thanks.

[@nelsonmamangon62]

hi sir! do you apply timbermate wood filler as well before applying the deep red dye? thanks!

[@LewisShieldsUS]

Great lesson and show, thank you.

[@hhova29]

Do you think I can try to use one of these stains on a partial file cabinet from ikea which is presently white? Would like to stain it a cherry color?

[@lcmlcm2460]

Great video. I always loved the antique red mahogany look and always wondered how it was applied. So thank you

[@deniseblack5099]

Hi, thanks so much for the video! Is there any chance you could list all of your favorite products for this project? I am refinishing a solid mahogany dresser given to me by my great grandmother. I am going for the formal "red/brown" look. Thank you so much!

[@michealbeers777]

..yes I did learn something! Thanks for posting.

[@TheShagui21]

thanks so much i learn alot!!!

[@islamn799]

Thank you very much, I think all problem I can solve for wood working learning from admens of KZbin.thanks a lot.

[@kle2217]

This is beautiful! Unfortunately, I’ve only been able to work with pine boards at the moment. 😔. Have you done any videos on staining and finishing pine? Would love a deep red mahogany look you fid here, but on pine!

[@dougtroutman5695]

Very nice good tips,thanks.

[@rmgardz]

Very helpful video!

[@luisbonet4642]

Very fine video and the results are amazing! The Zinsser seal finish you used prior to the application of lacquer is that the same product as the Zinsser universal sanding sealer? Do you sand in between coats of the sealer? How about in between coats of the lacquer? What grit do you suggest using?

[@enfj-t4603]

Wow...Thank you so much i learned a lot ...

[@ZUPRA9050]

Great video!!!

[@mrpoolplayer6379]

How can I make my stain a bit darker. Is there a way to make the porous grain show up better...

[@Wardaddy90]

This was so beneficial! Why do you guys upload so seldom? Whether one or a thousand people are helped I hope this encourages you to upload more.

[@WoodworkersSourcecom]

Cole Rossouw Thanks! Got a few more in the queue for production. Hang tight!

[@mzerv00]

At the 5 minute mark in the video, what color dye did you use?

[@hardmuscl4life]

These sort of no nonsense, results oriented comparisons are entertaining as well as wonderful instructional tools. I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. Well done you... Peace, George

[@cacaocacao3951]

beautiful Thank you

[@itecblogger]

What brand of red colored aniline dye did you use?

[@lindseydaniels3655]

When you demonstrate the filler technique. The second mixed with the stain. What color did you use? Looks exactly what I'm looking for. Then after the filler with the stain how do you finish?

[@ashphilvlogs3401]

Wow fantastic . New subs. From Philippines

[@marinosr]

Great video, thanks.

[@barbarajohnson9723]

marinosr

[@vahid.h2162]

thank's very useful

[@My52PickUp]

My question is about the wash coat, will it block paint? I make router carved signs and I have yet to find a way other than hand painting for the recesses (I paint the board first so only carved areas need to be painted.) But spray painting is much quicker. The best I've been able to come up with is masking with painters tape, but if there's any sort of detail the tape requires so much work post cut that I might as well hand paint. Would love suggestions. Thank you.

[@Lee-xw9fr]

Hi there, I have a mahogany deck that’s seen better days, I was planning on applying a coat of sanding sealer then sanding then applying IPE oil? I’m uncertain wether or not the sealer will effect the oil? What do you guys think?

[@bklynwam]

What kind of lacquer do you spray on?

[@nspinicelli]

You should have included Potassium Dichromate, which reacts naturally with the tannins. Gorgeous results.

[@nursebynight14]

I want to DIY oak kitchen countertops with undermount farmhouse sink not sure how to waterproof and which stain oil or water base

[@mudrikhfinishing8674]

Finishing yang sangat indah sekali ,. Good

[@mattrinne]

Looking to use your technique with the red dye for a jewelry case for my daughter. Do you recommend a specific dye? Is it just straight red? I've never used dyes before. Thanks for all you do for woodworkers learning the craft! I especially enjoy the information as it relates to trees around the world. 🌎

[@ronboe6325]

Years ago I was turned on to Daly's Benite, a wood conditioner that really hardens the wood. On mahogany it darkens it up nicely (looks the same dry as it does wet). A great product if you wish to have a rich dark mahogany (it's not a stain) look vs the lighter unstained look while making it much harder to dent.

[@MrLapc4]

Hi I just subscribe ID channel I like what you did I hope I can learn more from you I'm trying to learn how to do a front door made it of that to buy 6 with them I like the red cherry color that you put at the last thank you

[@nidayjenn]

Is the aniline dye you used in the video for the last wood, a powder?

[@kuyajonjon13]

wow nice work sir its pretty good 😊

[@tajingtabing7195]

I like this plantation programme please suggest this details price.

[@stevewomeldurf8591]

How does an epoxy topcoat stick to these finishes? Are there additional steps to prep for epoxy?

[@steveavis4642]

Thanks for the tutorial! Great info. I'm refinishing a mahogany dash on a tr6 would a polyurethane be a better top coat for weather resistance?

[@DanSwanson2070]

I would use a spar urethane

[@anya3027]

Thank you

[@BurtBowers]

Very nice presentation love the lighter colors much.. I had bought mahogony had it routered it has been sanded down completely now trying to decide what color stain to go with, in the end i want to use glazecoat epoxy finish it will give it a thick glassey finish but again not sure what color to go with? i was thinking maybe putting a grey stain on the wood tough choice..

[@audreyreyna1557]

How do you make the dye in your last demonstration? Tint added to denatured alcohol perhaps?

[@kalichicamacho4868]

thank you

[@HOME-hv4vu]

Where I can buy these paint

[@jairortega5366]

Hey do you guys sell any of these items?

[@kashifahmad3042]

Awesome

[@TheLegend-nx3mm]

Simply stunning, well done. Can the antique mahogany be applied to Verneer? Kind regards Danny UK

[@F5FURU12]

Yes it's wood.

[@goosecouple]

5:56 Put down Zinsser Sealcoat as many as 3 coats?

[@jimprouty6793]

We’re making a solid mahogany door for an old Chris Craft yacht. For maximum protection we were thinking two coats of epoxy then most likely 4 of varnish. Does make sense to you?

[@feroast1]

Anyone know the backing guitar track?

[@daviddoe2440]

Great information! Well done videos, beautiful finishing ideas! My comment, would be to see more readily available woods for Canadian customers. I've heard of beech, and popular, but have never seen in our specialty stores. My question would be which artists do your music? I love the selection in the background!!

[@heyifixit]

None of these answered my question how do you stop the end grain from turning black when you put a finish on mahogany

[@steveavis4642]

Seal the end grain first. This will prevent the dye from soaking in.

[@magneticpupful]

Can you make a video on repairing high gloss solid wood furniture?

[@sethrodrigo2124]

what product can i use to tint the wood grain filler

[@walther9161]

Will save this video !!!

[@poekwahdoh7056]

what is the name of the Black oil

[@nataliesnyder695]

It would be really helpful to show how to finish an exterior mahogany door.

[@tusharartspune6216]

Which wood is this?

[@TheRonnietoni]

I am refinishing mahogany on commercial property what should I use to finish it with so it can last for long time

[@immickielol]

When you do the deep red mahogany finish do you have to sand it down first and use the wood filler before you apply the deep red dye?

[@WoodworkersSourcecom]

No, not necessarily. The order in which you apply the stuff actually depends on the products you end up buying. For the products used here the steps go: Finish sanding > Dye > clear sealer > wood filler > clear top coat finish But if you use a water based wood filler like Timbermate, you'd actually apply that to the bare wood first. So the steps would go like: Wood filler > finish sanding > dye > sealer > clear top coat. Oil based wood filler, depending on the brand, usually get applied on top of a sealer. And since dyes only color bare wood, you should dye the wood first, then seal, then fill the grain. Conversely water based fillers work better when they're applied to bare wood rather than sealed wood. So you've gotta change up the order of events depending on what you've got.

[@reptilesgamers00]

4:49 what brand red dye you use in this video?

[@ExtraordinaryTK]

Can some one tell me if this is the wood that use in one of those rich grand gentlemen luxury library. that dark red wood like in Biltmore House or you know president study room type.

[@rikyrik9577]

That would be real Mahogany, modern "mahogany" as it gets called is generally Sapele (same family) garbage in looks with a classy name, We use it alot and 95% of the time its painted.

[@LOREMIG]

Thank u for your video but i have a question 4 u i build a gazebo and i used stain then i used a clear protector but after 2 months the wood is getting white spot like water spots can u give a idea this happened? Thank u so much. Pd. Ii would like to show u pictures but i really dont know if that would be a good idea

[@chuckwiesner8730]

Miguel Elizondo what is occurring, is that moisture is trapped below the finish . we call it "blushed" or blushing. The wood is possibly obsorbing ground moisture, if this is the case you may have to sand to bare wood and restain . using a compatible finish coat. A laquer retarder will deblush it. But if the blush returns, you'll have to sand to bare, and start over. Hope this helps you .

[@LOREMIG]

Chuck Wiesner thank u so much

[@dswedish2544]

Can you please help me with a question? I make toys and use butcher block oil for toys that kids who still may put them in there mouths. Foe older kids I like to use Linseed oil. My question is, what would be the best protective finish. Thanks

[@WoodworkersSourcecom]

Best? Hard to say because every finish does come with a downside. You can move on to a polyurethane if you're looking for better abrasion resistance, but it will eventually chip and/or scratch with hard use in the hands of kids. I don't think that's a step in the right direction, but that's my opinion. I believe you're better off sticking with the linseed oil since it's so easy to refresh with a new coat when the time comes.

[@TheRonnietoni]

the steps @5:00 to 6:00 what are the products used we want to recreate exactly on a big project for outside

[@Aaron-sg8xm]

Hey. I’m unfamiliar with using dyes. I’m doing a project and I really like your last finish. What product did you use? What color red dye?

[@WoodworkersSourcecom]

That one was Solar Lux "Med Brown Walnut" color, believe it or not. It comes out kinda red on mahogany.

[@F5FURU12]

Minwax products. Home depot

[@roseliareuben4385]

I think you could use the jigg more when drilling in the work bench? Drill the first row, use the al to locate the second row, then go back and do the same for the third. Now you can use the 2 holes on the top and the bottom, this way you eliminate the risk of measuring wrong between the rowes.

[@polarlab113]

What about finishing previously finished mahogany?it was filled and varnished and then hard sanded

[@OilSpill10]

I have a problem that I am not sure what type of wood my unfinished entertainment center is made of. Just purchased it from Simply Wood here in Pensacola. They told me it was mahogany. The paint store said it looks like Parawood. It is more blonde with some reddish streaks going through it. I am in the middle of staining it a light gray because that is the color I wanted my furniture to be. I do not like red furniture. The oil base stain is not going on very well because it seems there are several soft areas in the wood and those areas either soak up the color more than other areas of they are too light. It has really been a job not trying to get random dark areas of stain that makes it look like I did not apply the stain very carefully. There also appears to be a few small areas that looks like it has a blonde wood filler in and those spots don't take up the stain very well at all. What a mess I have gotten myself into. Can you stain Mahogany with light gray and it look good? Please let me see you do that. What do I need to do?? lol I am 71 and this is not going as well as it did when I was younger lol.

[@slappy1965]

Would you recommend using the Timbermate for on a newly milled exterior raw Mahogany storm door as a grain filler, to be finished with a Spar Varnish? Also, would you recommend using Timbermate as a wood filler for hairline cracks on a White Oak entry door exterior, finished with Spar Varnish?

[@slappy1965]

Or would you use the Old Masters Woodgrain Filler shown around 2:30 in the video for exterior use?

[@slappy1965]

Old Masters told me their grain filler is for interior use only. Any product suggestions for exterior grain filling?

[@lancemillward2462]

the end grain will end up darker with the stains. how do you deal with that?

[@nathanshalduha3932]

Iv found if i sand the end grain to a higher grit then the rest of the project it absorbs less dye. For me this balances out the look.

[@tummiehond9432]

Mahogony always is a reddish brown adn always looks best when just lacquered witha clear finish. If you wnat brown/yellow choose teak or one of the cheaper and lighter teak like woods!

[@cycadaacolyte6349]

Sounds like you've been working with Khaya (the unrelated "African Mahogany") instead of Mahogany. While it's called a Mahogany one of the give aways is the more redish hues. Honduran Mahogany (which is one of 3 only true mahoganies) is lighter on a whole and can vary into the light sand spectrum in color.

[@lauraforconi9111]

HI, VERY IMPRESSED, WOULD YOU LIKE TO REFINISH MY 4 PIECES? ENGLISH DESK, PROVINCIAL TABLE SIDE TABLE, 2 CHEST.

[@ccccen]

is there any stain more reddish than the you got there?

[@nathanshalduha3932]

Old masters crimson red

[@mvyper]

Angelus medium brown.

[@thefingerwitch]

Very nice job...thank you for the lesson. But I am confused a bit- do you add another 2-3 coats of sealer AFTER the pore filler? And then the spray laquer? Or just go to the finish following the filler? Thanks guys

[@WoodworkersSourcecom]

Generally it's a good idea to do a coat or two of sealer after just to ensure your top coat will adhere. But it really depends on the products you intend to use. You most likely don't *need* it. Conversely, I just prefer to use a couple coats of dewaxed shellac as a sealer after the filler, then do a couple coats for the top coat. But it's just a preference I've acquired over the years.

[@thefingerwitch]

Woodworkers Source - that’s exactly what I did. I Appreciate the reply... as a novice it seemed like a ton of steps in this process - and maybe it was- but the results are without question-worth it. Very happy I found this- thanks again

[@WoodworkersSourcecom]

@@thefingerwitch Great to hear! Thanks

[@errion302]

Woodworkers Source are these techniques and materials the same for exterior wood? Like a front door.

[@luisbonet4642]

Do you sand in-between sealer coats?

[@shohidulalam3902]

QUESTION-------- I want to add glittery effect on my classic look dining table. what is the best way to do that. Appreciate your advice.

[@bobbie5994]

Sjin would be happy

[@judy_nganga]

My table appeared too red after applying mahogany vanish how do I tone it down to achieve a brownish colour

[@martindistor759]

did you apply any conditioner before applying red colored aniline dye?

[@WoodworkersSourcecom]

No conditioner. You'd use a conditioner with an oil stain on a wood that accepts stain poorly. Mahogany is not one of those woods, and more importantly dyes apply very consistenty.

[@SumerianTurk]

Wipe with Varsol, best way.Don"t use conditioner.you have to apply stain very quick .

[@bhagyalakshmi7077]

Good

[@sokhengsor9661]

Palani Vijaya )I

[@simonc4764]

I have a furniture from the 1970s that is pale natural mahogany that turns salmon pink when sunlight catches it. I refuse to have it waxed or oiled in case the colour darkens. How or why was it finished like that? A bit of research shows the craftsman was inspired by products at the time when teak was all the rave, so even though mahogany were more expensive it should look pale and more like teak. Question remains how did it retains its natural pale look under the sealant? Any oil base sealant would turn the wood into a darker shade.

[@bettyjokelton9184]

Would that finish be safe to use on a cutting board?

[@WoodworkersSourcecom]

It's safe, yes, but you probably don't want to do so for other reasons. Sadly, it won't hold up very well to the hard life of a cutting board.

[@mfunes1494]

How long do you wait to wipe off the stain?

[@GaryMarkowski]

Wait 5 minutes (he says this in the video)

[@MD-cd7em]

YES I DID LEARN SOMETHING

[@MD-cd7em]

THANKYOU BUD

[@roadrunner7203]

Can i use it for workbench?

[@neildecker3061]

mahogany? Sure, it's a fairly heavy strong wood. But that'd be one expensive workbench.

[@longbranch100]

Great video.a lot of information.. wish video was a little long and more in-depth

[@sherrypayton6871]

I see a lot of other question regarding the order of your layers and how often you sand. This was my take on it after watching your video twice: Wood filler Sand Red dye 3 layers, sand between Zinnsers sealant, 3 layers sand between each Clear lacquer three layers sand between each layer Is that right? I’m refinishing a table. I think it’s mahogany. I wanted to look like you’re piece!!!

[@mikemukhram1486]

Lots easy If you doing a small area .let me see him do a whole kitchen cabinets with the same finish all the way through.lol

[@ccccen]

At 5:07 you mentioned ''dilute it by 50%'' with what?

[@WoodworkersSourcecom]

Denatured alcohol or water works.

[@thebigjakekinard]

The last demonstration is by far my favorite. I'm wanting to stain a mahogany guitar similar to that, but I want the darker grain patterns to be a lot darker, but still have the natural red look everywhere else. Could I get some dark brown/black dye, and dye it with that so it soaks in those areas and then sand back, and then dye with the red in the video and make the dark areas really dark? Or do you think that would just make a big mess? Thanks

[@WoodworkersSourcecom]

I think all you need to do is use a darker tint/stain on the grain filler. That's where I would start to test.

[@thebigjakekinard]

Thanks for the quick reply! I'll definitely try that on some scrap pieces. Thanks!

[@WoodworkersSourcecom]

Sure thing. Thinking back on it, yes, another thing to test is using a darker dye and sanding it back. Foam sanding sponges are great for the job. They "feather out" the pressure of your hand which makes it easy to control the color evenly. But! I wouldn't dye one color, let it dry, then dye another with Solar Lux (tried it, doesn't work well at all...). Just use a darker color, dilute it less, or apply 2-3 extra coats of dye to get it darker.