Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel (Read 1035 times) previous topic - next topic

Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Project for today is building shelves for the upper washer/dryer cabinet.  They'll be like the ones here, but I just need to figure out what stain I should try.  Shelves are being made from red oak, in the same fashion as the ones here in the lower cabinet.

I believe the wood for the coach is cherry. 

I've been able to turn up a few searches, but most are for walnut stain. 

Additionally, I'm trying to source this C-Channel for the front of the shelves.  I'm thinking I can get this from FOT, but just trying to find if anyone knows what this is called or if it's possible to find it locally.



Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #1 –
It's hard to tell the stain color on these pictures on the web. If I did not know any better I would say that it looks like oak on this picture. It doesn't take much to darken the red Oak. I would start with the cherry stain, then wipe off right away. Then see how close a match that is to the current wood color. You can always apply more coats to get closer to the stain penetration needed.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Peter & Beth –
It's hard to tell the stain color on these pictures on the web. If I did not know any better I would say that it looks like oak on this picture. It doesn't take much to darken the red Oak. I would start with the cherry stain, then wipe off right away. Then see how close a match that is to the current wood color. You can always apply more coats to get closer to the stain penetration needed.

Yes, it's tough to figure out the color, especially since the same shelf looks so different in the coach than in the garage.  In the coach it looks golden, then in the garage it looks more red.  Sounds like it's more a matter of just staining until the desired shade is achieved.
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #3 –
I did some remodeling on the U270 which is Oak.  The Oak I purchased from Amish supplier in Northern Indiana was a perfect match with a coat of Deft Clear Satin Sheen Finish...no stain.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #4 –
Expect that the C channel was a solid piece that had a dado cut in it to make the "C." Any local woodworking shop could make it for you. The color of cherry will vary from piece to piece and it naturally darkens as it is exposed to light. I would recommend you first wipe the piece with (denatured) alcohol to see how well it matches the existing wood before you stain it. If it doesn't match to your satisfaction, practice on some cut-offs of the same piece.

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #5 –
Although it takes longer to dry, using water will serve as well as using denatured alcohol. It gives a true indication what the finish color is when using a clear finish.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Bob McGee –
Expect that the C channel was a solid piece that had a dado cut in it to make the "C." Any local woodworking shop could make it for you. The color of cherry will vary from piece to piece and it naturally darkens as it is exposed to light. I would recommend you first wipe the piece with (denatured) alcohol to see how well it matches the existing wood before you stain it. If it doesn't match to your satisfaction, practice on some cut-offs of the same piece.

Thanks!  Got that done this morning.  Luckily the hardwood shop was right next to the cabinet shop and was able to get it all done in about 15 minutes. 

Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Peter & Beth –
Although it takes longer to dry, using water will serve as well as using denatured alcohol. It gives a true indication what the finish color is when using a clear finish.

After talking to the hardwood guy, we determined that it does have a light stain.  Thanks for all the info!

Made good use of the old batteries, used them as additional clamps for the shelves.



Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #8 –
When I was doing the wood work in our U270, I talked to the cabinet shop at at FT and was told the finish on the red oak was Conversion Varnish,I don't know if it was used on other types of wood or not, it might be worth a call to FT.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #9 –
I did not think they stained the Cherry Wood in the coaches. I will ask David F next time I am in. I know they did some cabinet work on my TV remod and I remember them varnishing it but not staining it.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #10 –
Thanks guys.  John, that would be great.
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #11 –
Quote from: John S –
I did not think they stained the Cherry Wood in the coaches. I will ask David F next time I am in. I know they did some cabinet work on my TV remod and I remember them varnishing it but not staining it.
Same here. They added some cherry pieces to my coach and it is not stained. It was a little lighter but darkened over time.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #12 –
I know they put the pieces out in the sun on the picnic table for a day and that made them the right color. I also replaced my two doors for the TV electronics with louvered doors. It was raw wood that was varnished and not stained. I set them on the deck for a day and they matched perfectly.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #13 –
Interesting about the cherry.  We have it and way back 8 1/2 years ago, we were at FOT and mentioned we were going to add some additional shelves and they gave us a quart of a custom mix cherry stained they used on our coach.  Bill used it on the shelves, the shoe rack and our tv remodel and its a perfect match!   

Go figure! 
Tom & Bill

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #14 –
I wonder if it depends on your specific coach, whether or not they used stain. 

Right now, after spending hours on this project, making meticulous measurements, I am trying to get the shelves to bend back to flat.  They fit precisely, but the work bench that the shelves were glued and clamped upside down on was sagging a bit toward the middle so the corner of each shelf that was toward the middle is raised about 1/8 to 1/4 inch.  So I've got time to figure out the finish for the shelves.  I hate to bother the factory about these types of questions, so I really appreciate all the responses here. 

When I first got the coach, I was busy removing safety stickers and decals throughout the coach.  But I was so bummed when I removed the one on the top right corner of the face of the fridge.  I thought the adhesive must have destroyed the finish as it was a few shades lighter than the rest of the fridge.  Now, six months later, it is barely noticeable.  I certainly never knew it was because of the darkening nature of cherry wood when exposed to light.  That little square was just lighter because it had been protected from the light for 10 years.  So, thanks for all the insight on that!
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #15 –
Quote from: John S –
I remember them varnishing it but not staining it.

Nor was the walnut stained, thou I had to use a little red tint in the Amber shellac to "age" the new pieces I installed with my television up-grade. I think only the oak cabinets had a finish beyond shellac or varnish.
Chad & Judy
'98 U320 - Build #5315
Motorcade 16317
Wickenburg, AZ

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #16 –
Quote from: tothetrail –
So I've got time to figure out the finish for the shelves.  I hate to bother the factory about these types of questions, so I really appreciate all the responses here. 

At least for our era and earlier coaches, David F. will tell you the finish used by the factory was Sherwin Williams sanding sealer.  Yup - just sanding sealer.  We've used it and it's perfect.  Recommended maintenance product is Wood Doctor by Zep.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #17 –
Using sanding sealer is great.  After it dries, you do need to rub very fine steel wool on the surface for a supperb smooth finish.  I also used Deft Satin finish to add more protection to the wood surfaces.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Cherry Wood Stain Color Match and Source for Shelf Front C-Channel

Reply #18 –
Thanks so much for all the information, everyone.  It's so nice, not only to have the information for my project, but for those looking for the same in the future.  I love this forum!
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA