Question
Was wondering if anyone could give me a quick tutorial on a white-leaded oak finish? This may have different names, so to clarify, I am trying to produce the look of raw oak with white deposits in the open grain. I can think of a couple different ways of achieving this, but would like to know how it was most likely done in the deco period.
Forum Responses
(Finishing Forum)
From contributor M:
If this is the same as "pickled oak" around here, the easiest solution is to get the white pickling stain from ML Campbell.
Be absolutely sure to get a color sample signed off by the customer, because everyone has a slightly different idea of what pickled or whitewashed oak should look like, and every technique will produce a different look.
Another route is thinning the appropriate primer (I prefer Clawlock post-cat) very thin - say, 80-90% thinner, 10-20% primer - and misting on a light coat and then scuff sanding with a sponge. That's slightly trickier to get an even look than using MLC's wiping stain, but gives more of the "in the grain only and not on the surface" look. Be ready to experiment!
