Osage orange

[Link]

I got some osage orange so the chocolaty brown color would contrast with other woods. Upon turning, the inside is, of course, ugly yellow-green.

How long must I wait for it to "brown"...and is there a way to speed up the process? A fellow turner said to leave it out in the sun, but so far that's made no difference.

Thanx for any help...

 

[john lucas]

Personally I love the color of Osage when It's first turnied but It won't stay that way. It will gradually change over several years to the color you want. placing it in the sun is the only way I know to darken it other than stain or dye. I don't know how long would take. I'll bet if you place it in direct sunlight 10 or 12 hours a day it wouldn't take long. I made a big bowl for a friend who keeps it on his kitchen table. It's probably 8 years old now and still isn't really tan even though it gets a fair amount of sunshine.

 

[Hugh]

I have put fresh cut Osage Orange wood on the wood pile (trimmings) and had them go dark brown in a matter of days. This is direct sunlight. I had a bowl in a gallery window - north facing - and it turned brown in about 1 year. The sap wood does not turn brown though. I love the yellow color though of fresh cut Osage Orange. I wish I could find a way to fix it so it would not fade. I have tried spar varnish but it only slows the process down a bit. Good luck.
Hugh

 

[Link]

Thanx, guys. So far it's been in the Florida sun for 3 days, and all it's done is crack! (Cracks aren't really that important for this piece.) It will be a Christmas present, so I have some time. Glad I started early!