Pale silky oak

I was given some silky oak from the Taree area. I am in the process of making a box from it.
It is very pale almost pink. I think the tree was not very old. But it is what it is, as they say.
Without staining will shellac give any colour. Or should I just bite the bullet and use stain.

Hi Lyle,
Shellac will give the silky a golden tone and bring out the grain you can stain as well if you wish but try some shellac on a scrap and see what you think.
Regards Rod.

G'day Lyle,

Also try Tung oil, I've had some nice results with it on southern silky oak.
It doesn't darken it a great deal, but the improvement over the raw surface is very nice.

Jeff

the pink can be nice

Hi Lyle,

Part of the answer depends on the shellac that you use. Bleached shellac - little colour change, golden flake as Rod says above, Garnet shellac or brown button shellac will give a much deeper garnet or rich brownish colour.

David

Thanks all for your replies.
I'll try the shellac. I have some fresh golden flakes. So I'll make a fresh brew and use that.
Thanks again.
I'll post some before and after photos.
But don't hold your breath waiting for them, I am a slooow worker. :rolleyes: :D