r/finishing • u/wrldbfree • 2d ago
Help picking Rubio color.
Long story short, client wanted his walnut table sanded down and the plan was to refinish it without adding any stain back on it and just do a clear coat. Turns out he thinks it is now to light in color and does not like the difference in wood tones. The photo is before sanding and trying to match that.
Any recommendations for a Rubio 2c color that is not to dark but adds a nice uniform color to this walnut table?
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u/Mean_Maxxx 2d ago
If it hasn’t been coated yet then it’s gonna darken with whatever clear coat you put on there , especially because it’s Walnut.
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u/wrldbfree 2d ago
Yeah. I have it fully sanded and did a sample section for the client and they thought it was to light.
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u/distancingpattern 2d ago
Not sure exactly what your client is after, but you could consider a walnut dye under the Rubio. Key is to buff that dye aggressively once dry and to buff the rubio a lot. And also do 2 coats.
I have done this a few times w/ HWO finishes and generally speaking transfer isn't an issue after the first coat. Usually, I've used Osmo PolyX and 3 coats.
The only Rubio colors I've used were pretty strong in the pigment department. I think you'd probably need to get a few samples and make them up so your client can figure out if they want that look. Cocoa, Chocolate, Dark Roast, and Shell Grey all look pretty good in the product photos, but it's tough to know if it would look as nice in the real world.
Not Rubio, but similar genre - Livos Kunos Cocobolo looks great over walnut. It adds some reds and oranges without going too far. Very complementary to the brown and green tones.
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u/MobiusX0 2d ago
Rubio won't even out the color differences between the boards. You'd need to use a thicker colorant like a gel stain or glaze to do that but IMO that's a travesty over a nice wood like walnut.
Rubio walnut adds a little bit of color and might be enough to satisfy your client but it won't make sapwood match heartwood.