What do you think of this maple top ?

[GuitarDoc]

Re: What do you think of this maple top ?

Looks like it didn't get enough sanding prep before staining...that's why it looks splotchy or muddy in places.

But it's not too late. Lightly sand some more ending up with 400 grit. The darker brown should remain in the softer grain. Put some amber stain over the top to create a PRS type tiger eye result.

[devastone]

Re: What do you think of this maple top ?

Nice flame, but the process of staining the raw maple is IMO the worst way to add colour.
You can see in the carved slope where its really 'muddy'.....as in the wood absorbs way too much of the mix, and you lose the flame. Highly figured wood is very hard to get the balance right......as this top shows.

Aniline dyes are the way to go on figured maple, stains just smear and transparent finishes kinda bury the figure.

[Old Guy]

Re: What do you think of this maple top ?

Aniline dyes are the way to go on figured maple, stains just smear and transparent finishes kinda bury the figure.

Not really sure I agree with this. Here's how mine is coming along:

[devastone]

Re: What do you think of this maple top ?

Those look great! And yes, you can get nice results with stains, but those PRS, Suhr, etc... tops that really pop are dyed, it makes it more 3D.

https://www.woodmagazine.com/materials-guide/finishes/show-off-figure-with-dye

[devastone]

Re: What do you think of this maple top ?

I think if you tried dyes you would be blown away.

[AlexR]

Re: What do you think of this maple top ?

Dyes and stains are synonyms here. Stains are simply a dye in a carrier.....like water or alcohol. For furniture, stains have a finishing oil added usually so there is protection as well as the colour tint.

[ItsaBass]

Re: What do you think of this maple top ?

Dyes are solvent + color. All they do in the end is to deposit color, and nothing else, on/in something.

Stains are solvent + color + binder. They are technically hard finishes.

Many people call things stains, when they are actually dyes.

[devastone]

Re: What do you think of this maple top ?

On guitars stains and dyes are not synonymous.

Dyes give a different look than stains because they get into the grain, that's why they have more of a 3D look. You can't buy dyes at your local Home Depot or Lowe's and you have to mix them yourself. The results are worth it though.

I posted a link about the differences a few posts back.