Advanced Wood Coloring: Waterfalling

  Anytime we apply color to a single elevation of millwork we lay out the pieces in their proper sequence and apply color to the face side of all pieces of the elevation at the same time. This allows us to color match adjoining pieces perfectly, avoiding problems later in the finish process. This process works better with spray applied stain but should also be done with wiping stains. 

 Sometimes there is variation in the color of the wood which requires the additional step of a toner after the sealer. These panels are also laid out in sequence (waterfalled) so our color is perfect.

  Many beginners try and stain each piece randomly and finish that way as well. Later after the finish is completed and they assemble the casework they find to their horror that many doors don't match. There is a light door next to a dark door. Both doors when held up to the sample match acceptably but one is a tad light and one is a tad dark. Place them together and we have a big problem.

  On a closed coat finish we can scuff sand and tone to blend them together but on an open pore finish we could fill the grain too much causing more problems. This is really critical on flitch matched wall paneling.

  Waterfalling eliminates all these problems and saves much time by eliminating costly toning and refinishing at the end of the job.