Timbuck
Well-known member
Or have I blasphemed ?
Use the same kind of finish you use to paint over gold.
There is this bass made from Ash with a Koa top grafted on..For looks...I prefer the Ash.
Not being the best of anything "on the planet", a tiresome expression, and running the risk of going against the grain, so to speak, not to mention offending the gods, I will offer that fine instrument builders have been adding a bit of color to their woods for eons. Violin varnish has natural amber tones to it from the solids therein. Unless you're talking about 3 to 5 A grade koa, which undoubtedly doesn't need or deserve any enhancement, there's nothing inherently wrong with the idea. Pigmented stain? No. But water soluble aniline dyes applied judiciously, with a light wash/sealer coat of shellac can enhance the grain and chatoyance of an otherwise unimpressive piece of wood.