I was also very disappointed at how little the colour changed. It when from white to dull grey. In the past, this same oil turned mahogany from brown to deep red, oak from pale yellow to deep orange, and cherry from brown/grey to bright red. I was hoping to see a piece of golden maple after the oiling, but it was not the case.

What's the recommendation for stain and finish to make the curls on this piece of wood shine and to turn it gold in colour?

thanks,
gar.

• Dye stains

I should start a list of all your advice that I've incorporated into my methods. To date they include:

- homemade circle cutter jig for my router
- rabbeting and groove joint for speaker panels
- mitre frame glue-up with masking tape
- move from urthethane to oil finishes
- and now dye stains

BTW, have you tried Lee Valley's High Lustre Tung Oil. Use it straight out of the can as a final coat gives you a high gloss laquer-like finish.

Gar.