How to get Golden Oak color

Hi. I picked up this old deck chair and it's in need of some color. I think the color in the chair is 'Golden Oak', does that look right? In the past I've tried premixed Golden Oak stains but they don't look right; the grain of the oak darkens but the rest of the piece looks 'muddy' and not golden. Is the gold color in the varnish? Any help is appreciated!

 

The only way I know to achieve a true golden oak color is to use vintage type Minwax stains with ONLY the tint-dye in them. Wipe with a clean cloth after application of each coat. After the wood is the color you desire, can use a top coat sealer.

I do not know if Minwax still makes COLOR ONLY stains? Perhaps another brand does though. I prefer oil based stains always.

Apologies but I do not care for the stain with polyurethane built in, I won't use it.

 

Look up this variety from Minwax. It is stain and urethane in one coating if you want to refurbish the entire piece.
"PolyShades Stain & Polyurethane"
https://www.minwax.com/en/products/one-step-stain-finish/polyshades

 

PS: "joe blowski" - I used to know a "Joe Blow" but he wasn't Polish - LOL!

 

What old dyes used to do was to oxidize the wood toward the golden tone white oak would take if left alone for twenty years. To achieve this you would have to strip completely of any add-ons, like paint, wax, dirt, so that it "takes" the dye, to be covered with your desired finish. Usually, on old wood it is best to use just oil to revive it, and finish with wax if staying indoors, or some sort of varnish for outdoor duty. On this kind of chair, I'd say experiment freely.

 

Yes that's the stuff I disliked using.

Totally agree, thanks.

 

Back in the day when I was in restoration mode, I used this recipe to match new oak with old oak. It may or may not be what you're looking for. 6 tablespoons golden oak bentwood penetrating stain. 3/4 teaspoon raw umber. mix well, may take more than one coat.

 

Sounds like a good recipe, thanks!

 

I would recommend sanding the whole piece down to bare wood. Then refinish! Patchwork with stain & varnish ( older furniture did not have polyurethane available)
You will see the same color through the piece & it will be more valuable & just look perfect!