Should You Stain Your Woodturning Project?

In this video I turn 2 different maple platters. For one I use stain/dye on the rim. And on the 2nd platter, I leave it natural. Which do you prefer?
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[@martinleon281]

They are both beautiful!! As artists, we must be diverse in our techniques. Each art creation is a piece of ourselves. Thank you for sharing this piece of yourself with us.

[@PFWoodturning]

You are so welcome!

[@gaetancrepeault9333]

Gorgeous bowl with green colors other one Beautiful Gorgeous work pcs of Arts

[@marktetrault6839]

Personally I'm a fan of natural wood and the beauty of the grain. Both your pieces are beautiful in their own way and I would be proud of them both.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you!!

[@crocuscreekwoodworks]

I feel staining is good if it fits the design you wish to create. Thinking outside the box is always a good thing. I like both equally, but the color pops more. Thanks for sharing.

[@PFWoodturning]

I totally agree!

[@kathywidmer1439]

Green was a perfect color choice for that wood. I fully believe that some woods (& bowls) lend themselves to color and some don’t. Both look great!

[@PFWoodturning]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@todddembsky8321]

Peggy, as the proud owner of 11 Maine Masterpieces from the hand of Mz Peggy, I have to say that what makes you different in my nook is that you do color and use different techniques to allow the wood to talk. To be honest, my favorite bowl is my Maple Bo-latter (that is Bowl and Platter) with the three blue inlays around the rim. Oh, you are famous here in Minnesota, you are the only person that has a PFWoodTurning sticker next to a Sasquatch Sticker on my Kia Soul. OK Folks, here is the deal -- if you love PF and her turnings, buy her bowls. I have a collection and I get so many compliments from so many people on these works of art. You will never be disappointed as these pieces of Maine art get better as they age -- like a good wine. Please support this starving artist (that is what we call the people in Minnesota that do this as a part-time adventure) so she can continue to make beautiful works that are truly priceless.

[@PFWoodturning]

😎 Thanks, Todd!

[@todddembsky8321]

​@@PFWoodturning You have to know Peggy that I support you every day with prayers and there is nothing that I would not do to continue to expand your subscribership base in this field. God Bless, take care. You do excellent work.

[@sastetson]

I love both pieces but that one with the gorgeous stain and the awesome figure snaps for me. That’s the one I’d buy for sure.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!

[@alandisomma-od5fz]

Love the natural maple platter/bowl.

[@stephenklebon7253]

Each is unique in its own right. Liked them both

[@PFWoodturning]

✌️

[@kevingeaney7741]

I love the coloured one. I also find that some people don't like the things I turn, but I like them and after that another person's opinion is well down the scale for me. Thanks again.

[@thomasrooney4511]

Both are very nice. I like the stained one this time. Thank you for sharing your projects.

[@PFWoodturning]

😎

[@J-D248]

Woah! Those are beautiful! Great job!

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!

[@allendesomer]

You chose your way to a great stain color! Love it! 🥰

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@roryleo5629]

I really like the stain platter. Great work, you make it look easy.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks so much 😊

[@kenharrison508]

They are both beautiful but the green just adds to the overall beauty.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks, Ken!

[@joanbusby3213]

Love the stain! Both are beautiful!

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@laurazakrzewski]

I like them both!! Both beautiful!!

[@PFWoodturning]

✌️

[@c.t.woodworks]

Dear Peggy, again two very nice projects. each one is beautiful. Thank you for your videos

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you so much!

[@alinmayerthorpe7801]

I like both of those platters! Each one has its own unique qualities which makes them special in their own way! Well done and thanks! Cheers Al

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!

[@ritawilliams3266]

I love both they are beautiful but I think I like the stained one better. Love the green. Thanks for the video!

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks for watching!

[@billm4560]

Those turned out beautiful Peggy! 👍🏻 But I’ll have to say I really like the one with the stain! The wood is so awesome! Thank for sharing your work! ✌️

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks for watching!

[@scungio13]

Wow that green stain is gorgeous and really makes that platter stand out and more unique, I too love the natural look a lot of the time, but you really know how to work your color theory so keep doing what your doing and don’t let anyone make you doubt yourself you are a talented artist !

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks so much 😊

[@johnpargeon5690]

Both bowls are fantastic, Peggy! Normally I don’t like stained bowls, but I really like yours. Great job!

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@velodctr]

I like the colored dish. The contrast of color really makes the platter pop. I make the rim and color it like I want it. Spray with laquer then wet sand it smooth . Takes multiple coats and sanding . Then I cut out the bowl part so I have a sharpe defined color contrast . Any color will work for the right home decor. I really enjoy watching you experiment with colors so keep them coming.

[@PFWoodturning]

Cool, thanks!

[@vineyardguy8094]

Great work. Love it.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@simonsmith8610]

I was prepared to pontificate about letting the wood speak for it's self but I must admit the platter with stain is very handsome. Nice work!

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!!

[@paullindgren1297]

Like them both hard to make a choice. Love the weekly videos.

[@PFWoodturning]

Glad you like them!

[@billtalkington664]

They are both very nice.

[@PFWoodturning]

😎✌️

[@johnhicks4992]

I really like the stained platter. Beautifully done!

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you! 😊

[@benyoung3791]

Both are beautiful works.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you! 😊

[@raywaltersjr.2146]

I like both colored wood and natural. Beautiful work.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you very much!

[@carldavis6902]

I like the way you color wood !!

[@PFWoodturning]

😎

[@tomzahlman1156]

I love them both great job

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you!

[@ronhopkind4514]

I liked the stained plate. Great job as always

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you!

[@stevestark3916]

The stain adds a nice accent. I'm usually not a fan of the stain but in this case it adds a nice pop to the piece and makes it stand out.

[@PFWoodturning]

✌️😎

[@harryshaw4998]

I think the green color allows the beauty of the wood and it's shape to be soft on the eyes, and the plain on looks like it is nice but the grain doesn't jump out like the green on. Great color to choose.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@trishkauffeldt8701]

They are both gorgeous, but I really like the stain as it accentuates the wood and really highlights it well. ❤

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!

[@ericcartrette6118]

Both platters are very nice. Honestly, I didn't think I would like the stained one, but in the end, I like it best. I think the green worked really well with it. As for staining versus natural, epoxy versus no epoxy, or whatever other choices there are, it's up to the artist. Some are going to like it, and some are not. One thing I've learned in life is that you can't please everyone. You do you and you will find your audience.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@bradwiebelhaus7065]

Both look great, Peggy.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks so much!

[@jeanlong4285]

Well I really love both of them because they are so different, but I think I like the one with color better.

[@PFWoodturning]

😎✅

[@copperowlwoodturning5929]

Hi Peggy. Both platters are beautiful, but the one with the colored rim wins. I think the contrast is needed here. Take care. Cheers, Rob.

[@PFWoodturning]

✌️😎

[@gerrychauveau2925]

Love them and would prefer the stained one 😊

[@PFWoodturning]

✌️

[@stephendonathan6782]

Beautiful work as always Peggy! I can't believe I'm saying this but I like the stained one better. Most of the time I don't like coloring my bowls but you hit this one out of the park. Take care and GOD BLESS 🙏!

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks so much 😊

[@glenglazier3691]

Lisa, I'm always partial to the natural look of the wood, no stain. As usual, you do beautiful work, thanks for sharing.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you so much!

[@im4dabirds]

Tough choice, I like both!!!!

[@PFWoodturning]

😎✌️

[@CaryCline]

I usually like the ones without stain, but I have to say that I really like the one with the green/blue rim. Nice job!

[@PFWoodturning]

Cool, thanks!

[@claytonbink1647]

I like the stained one better, Peggy! I think that you are the only one that I have seen who regularly exercises the stain option. Well done!

[@PFWoodturning]

:-)

[@steveb4592]

I like the platter/bowl without the stain.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!

[@gregoryh4601]

Great work Peggy keep it Going. , you the Best of Lathe Working. Peace Be with You

[@PFWoodturning]

😎✌️

[@gregoryh4601]

Peggy @@PFWoodturning I like the Green one and very sorry that I did not add it on my first Reply. Also I watch it today and saw your Scratch marks by your eye are you ok now? Your the Woodturner and designer so if you want to Stain so be it. I would love to eat my Sushi or Chinese food out of the green plate. Peace

[@jeffcatt4433]

Both very nice!!!

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you! 😊

[@danawrigleywalkingstickand5677]

They both came out great, Peggy. I usually don't care for colored wood, but in this case it does hide the white/gray area on one side of the platter which is a definite plus. Really love that elegant shape, too. I really don't think I can pick a favorite.

[@PFWoodturning]

Cool, thanks!

[@mpham321]

I agree with some of the others. Both are nice but the stained one really pops! Love it!

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you!

[@Kahwaihae]

You inspired me to try color stain a couple of years ago and I like it! I generally have colored the sides and bottom and left the bowl natural. Thanks!

[@PFWoodturning]

That is awesome!

[@maddieadams75]

Both are beautiful. I prefer the stain on this platter. It really enhances the design ❤

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@kenburnette1121]

Without is absolutely beautiful, with is beautifuller! You do great work and as a bonus it is always informative, keep making videos.

[@knotgreatwoodworks]

In general, I have a personal preference for natural wood. But, I really liked your green tinted piece. The amber tone of the wood complimented the shade of green in the rim resulting in a stunning beauty!

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you very much!

[@barry.w.christie]

Each are beautiful in their own way, I'm usually a plain wood finish but the stained version is absolutely stunning 👍

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dannyholzhauser6407]

I love both pieces ,depends on the grain and end use of the bowl on color love both of then.

[@PFWoodturning]

✅

[@michaelfelixb1316]

Beides sehr schöne Teller, aber Farbe ist immer was besonderes 👏 Hast du sehr schön gemacht 👌

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you!

[@richardcarlson3723]

I've been wanting to try this my self . I rally like the stain because it defines the caricatureistics of the rim ! I think the antique green against the natural wood is awsome ! Awsome job as always im looking forward to the next video.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!

[@dennisreichert7688]

I like the stained one.

[@PFWoodturning]

✅

[@tonytorra3674]

Very nice! I use color often, usually on the rim or outside, leaving the interior natural

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@janeoverby2151]

They both are lovely. Glad you.took the red off it distracted from the beauty of the Maple.

[@PFWoodturning]

Yes, agreed on the red!

[@timponder7487]

I like them both but im leaning toward the stained one very good work as usual from you Peggy

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks so much 😊

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

When color is applied properly it’s great. By that I mean that the piece is turned and sanded well before the color is applied. Too often color goes on thinking that it will cover up flaws and bad prep. Instead it accentuates the flaw. We can use that to our advantage. If the wood has any figure, color will accentuate that too. Both your bowls are beauties. Well done with both.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks, Doug! ✌️

[@brentdickenson6048]

I normally do not care for stain, but the green stain is really stunning. Great job.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you! 😊

[@grantclarke4713]

The natural finish. Both are beautiful.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!

[@fredschmidt827]

Both are great like the colored one best

[@PFWoodturning]

✌️😎

[@1striperon]

Peggy, my vote is for the stained platter. Love the contrasts.

[@PFWoodturning]

😎

[@frankfowler8295]

We can get tired of doing the same thing all the time so varying the finish is always good. Love each piece for its unique features. I'd start with no stain and if the piece isn't as figured as I d like id color it. Thanks for the video!

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks so much 😊

[@jasonmontgomery8180]

I like the one with the stain best.

[@PFWoodturning]

✌️

[@dennisoliver6421]

I think the colored one is most appealing to me,Maple doesn't have a very flashy. grain on it's own, but the contrast makes it pop !

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks for watching!

[@joeywalker4392]

They both look great. This time I would have to say the stained one looks the best. Just one color looks better than two or so mixed together. Have a great weekend.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!

[@eileencollins3126]

I like the colored piece, even though both are beautiful. I also like how you showed the part of trying to choose a color and changing it and changing it. I color most of my pieces, and change my mind a lot, removing the color and starting again. Your final choice is very nice!

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@SpunbyGreenJeans]

Great job on both plattrrs Peggy I like the stained one the best. I found that many buyers prefer some color on bowls and platters.

[@PFWoodturning]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jackthompson5092]

They are both beautiful Peggy however I really love the first one with the colour.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks so much 😊

[@darrellreed7044]

I’m a big fan of contrast, and the green with the darker maple is my favorite of the two. Plain maple is ok and naturally beautiful but I prefer embellishment.

[@PFWoodturning]

✅😎✌️

[@markchancellor-maddison5528]

I think the stained bowl is awesome.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!!

[@chrisjohnston2449]

I can see reasons to have either bowl in my collection. If I could only pick one it would be the stained one. Great job on both bowls/platters.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!!!

[@philforeman7102]

I like the stained one

[@PFWoodturning]

✅

[@randywood8658]

Very nice I like the stains look so good 👍 😊 9:38

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!

[@dannyweldon1389]

Stained. Normally don’t care for stained turnings but love the color combo.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!!!

[@terrytenley9327]

Hi Peggy I been turning close to 60 years.. I often don’t turn much maple as it’s a white wood and the appearance is plain when done.. I often put Pueblo or Navajo art on the wide rims or Keltic knots and other art to dress the rim and put them on with pyrography.. H ha part is scaling he Art to be equal and fit the circular rim.. I have experimented with different colors of stain or even paint from spray cans.. There are endless combinations but the joy is it breaks up a boring white maple bowl..I have used chip carving but this can be difficult due to different hardness around the edge of the bowl.. The blues and green dye kind of makes me happy at the end.. I tend to use green wood and don’t experience many cracks or just turn them, coat them with heavy wax and shrink wrap, weight them and put into my woodshop attic to dry out. As for which one of these bowls I like? I like the colored one. keep going your work is fun to watch. ☺️👍

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks very much!👍🏻

[@georgewacaser4559]

I'm not normally one for colored stain like that, but for that shape of platter/bowl, it works beautifully. Both are great. As woodturners, we get to decide our own interpretation of art ! Again those are really well done.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks, George!

[@timgarner]

Both look fantastic! I personally prefer the stained one. I really like woodgrain and sometimes staining enhances that. Please keep up the good work! Thanks for sharing!

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you! Will do!

[@NickedBlade]

i LIKE THE GREEN RIM MYSELF!

[@PFWoodturning]

😎😎✅

[@marksnyder7390]

Both are beautiful but I prefer the stained piece. I would normally choose naturally colored wood but the green rim truly enhanced the figured maple.

[@PFWoodturning]

Awesome, thanks for watching! 😎

[@peggybrown5806]

Love them both but I like the colored for myself

[@PFWoodturning]

Awesome, thank you!

[@daveurban1018]

The stained bowl is more beautiful than I thought it would be. I have only turned natural bowls, but I think I'll see what I can do with stains.

[@PFWoodturning]

😎✅👍🏻

[@Marcelo-56]

Estimada Peggy, las dos piezas son igual de bellas y la del borde con color es un estilo que he visto en bandejas de porcelana de calidad. Siempre veo sus creaciones y la felicito por el amor que pone en su trabajo👍

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks for watching,

[@WhiskeyDale]

VERY hard to pick a favorite , I like them both.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks, Dale!

[@WhiskeyDale]

@@PFWoodturning I typically do not like "tinting" on the wood , but this one looks great. you gotta stretch your artist legs , right ?

[@bassfingers]

I’m drawn to the stained one. I love the shade of green around the rim and the way the stain brings out the depth of the bowl itself.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!!!

[@jerrystark3587]

Both platters are beautiful because of the character of the wood used and form of the turnings. While my default position is usually that wood is best left oiled, waxed, and unstained, I think the green/teal color you ultimately chose is stunning. In this case, I prefer the stained platter because that color is just perfect. Thanks for the video. 👍👍

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks very much! ✌️

[@glennprovenzano1837]

Both are very nice

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you so much 😊

[@josephoconnor9675]

I like stained contrast.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks!!

[@erickolsen8930]

Both are very good. I prefer natural, but appreciate the look of the dyed bowl

[@PFWoodturning]

😎✌️

[@chrisdodds3383]

The stain is beautiful, but I do like the No stain more👍

[@PFWoodturning]

✅😎✌️

[@billnewton825]

Great job with both pieces. I am partial to the stained one, I'm not sure why because I don't normally use color on my turnings.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you! 😊

[@alanscott6088]

Interesting article. Personally, not a big fan of staining but, in this instance, I prefer the stained pecie. Based on this post I have subscribed to your page and look forward to more posts like this one here in the UK 🇬🇧

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks very much ✌️

[@austinswift1602]

Hi Peggy! Both bowls look great, it's hard to choose. The one with the color does have better maple grain interest, and the contrast with the green rim pops, but it would also look good as a totally natural finish. The second bowl is nice, but the grain is not quite what the first bowl was. Great turning work on both pieces! Cheers! 🙂

[@PFWoodturning]

Thanks so much 😊

[@hijmestoffels5171]

I prefer the stained one, no doubt about it.

[@PFWoodturning]

Thank you!