How to finish cherry to dark reddish color?

Question

This cherry is grade A furniture plywood, I am trying to use water based dyes (tried reddish brown transtint dye) but the color I am getting is very light compared to what I prefer. I have increased the concentration (dye to water) but still cant get to the color I want.

Method:

After usual dewhiskering and sanding:

I flood the surface with dye and then remove it (after 2-3 minutes). It looks darker at that point but keeps on getting lighter to almost from where I started from.

Please tell me what ratio of dye or additional colors or methods to use to get darker reddish color on cherry (apart from natural sun/aging)

Any help is greatly appreciated. (I do not have have access to spray equipment)

Answer 1

You may not be using a dark enough stain to begin with...

When I want a dark red cherry finish, I like to use something like a Burgundy, or Cordovan stain.

If the place where you bought your stain from doesn't offer a 'stock' darker color, they should be able to mix a darker color for you.  You probably do not have a tint set to do this yourself  (Tint sets are used to create custom colors, mixes, etc... frequently found in repair shops, and at the dealers)  I've used tint sets to match antique finishes, make custom colors, etc...if you are going to be doing a lot of this type of finishing, its worth it to invest in a set... if you only do it occasionally.. have the dealer mix it for you.

You can normally apply repeated coats of water based stains, with appropriate dry times between... but I'd suggest checking on a darker one to begin with.  

Have Fun

Answer 2

Well, I was going to say to put it in the sun, but I see you are already aware that natural cherry will darken in the sun.  The other answer, if you're determined to use cherry stain, is to leave the stain on longer!