WEEK COMMENCING 24 AUGUST 2025

Hi

Last week’s Newsletter—which seems so long ago now!—contained a couple of errors, sorry. If nothing else, it proves it’s not written by AI!

A number of people contacted me to point out my mistake, and I really don’t mind, it shows people do read this stuff! And care about it, thank you. There are many email writers who would kill for the level of engagement we get. I’m very grateful, feel free to keep putting me right!

We were asked about a good finish for charred timber. Burning wood to colour it is very popular, and can give some very good effects.

In a way, this question is similar to one we covered a few weeks ago, about finishing laser engraved wood. The most important thing here is to make sure that any soot or bunt debris is removed from the surface first, as this will prevent any coating from adhering properly.

Once this has been removed, pretty much any of our products will be fine to go on the wood, just pick the one best suited to the item being made.

Can you describe a colour over the phone? It’s really not that easy, especially when dealing with shades of wood stains.

A common request (which came up just a few minutes ago) is where a stain was used several years ago, from another supplier, can we say which of our stains is closest.

Sadly, we can’t. We can tell which are lighter than others, but to say what shade they are is impossible. And it’s always important to remember that stains are translucent; they will usually allow some of the colour of the wood to show through, so this will often cause a subtle change in colour too!

We have a colour guide on our website, but the only way to be certain is to use some of the stain on the wood to be stained. Our Sample Kits are ideal for this, and whilst there may be some colours that aren’t suitable, they’re worth keeping for another time, and can also be used to mix up other colours if you can’t find the one you want!

The last question this week returns to that thorn in our side, food safe products. If something is toy safe, is it also food safe?
Not really, on this one. In particular, a lacquer had been requested to be used on a small cake box.

I don’t know why a lacquer had been specified, the only reason I could think of was so that it could be washed, but this is a big ask even for a lacquer.
My suggestion here was to make the box around a glass or plastic insert that could be removed for cleaning and hygiene.
Although, would the cakes be in direct contact? If paper cases were being used, this should, I’d imagine, remove the need for the food safe aspect?

The best choice, of course, would be our Food Safe Finish, although obviously this is an oil, not a lacquer.

Not many more demos for me this year; holidays and preparing for the Harrogate Show have a big impact on availability, and many clubs have their Christmas party at their December meeting, which limits options too.

But I’m off to Dallinghoo next week to Suffolk Mid-Coastal Woodturners to give a demo. I’m looking forward to it, I’m sure there will be many familiar faces.

I’ll let you know next week when I’ll be back with another Newsletter.

All the best

Terry