A question about poplar

[handibunny]

I've noticed that poplar seems to be the "go to" color for leaves and other green parts for intarsia.

In my experience with popular, I've found that the green color generally goes to brown over time, and wondered how that plays out with the intarsia piece. Is it just expected to happen, or can anything be done to preserve the color?

Thanks.

[lucky788scroller]

I would also be interested in seeing some of that nice green poplar used after a few years of normal exposure to UV . I would think the finish would slow down that color transformation, but I would think it eventually would change. Hopefully Janette has a piece or wo thats been done for a few years and can flop us up a picture.

[JimSawyer]

I've had pieces of poplar that have stayed green for many years, and others that turn kind of greenish brown. mostly the latter...
I guess it's a crap shoot...

[ASDLF22]

I have a few finished pieces that are in the 3 year old time frame - they are not exposed to sunlight however, and if anything, I think the color may be a darker green than original.

[gippslander]

can some one tell me the botanic name of this green poplar as the only poplar ive seen here in oz is sorta creamy white colour

[Rolf]

Every project where I have used the poplar the green has gone mostly brown. One project has never been exposed to direct sunlight. In future I will be using Lignum Vitae for the green bits or use a light green Saman wash on the poplar.
I know the next question, here is the answere before you ask. http://www.samanwoodstain.com/saman-...cts/wood-stain

[campasano]

I use mostly poplar for my whirligigs and have never had it turn Brown. Could be because I put a primer on it before I give it the finished coat. For the finish I use exterior high gloss oil base paint. It also seems to fair pretty good to the elements.

Mike

[Intarsia.co.uk]

Only recently i managed to get some nice logs of Poplar.......And the duration of green colour....is that a matter of what part of the log or thickness or the age of the tree?
Or....what kinda finish you put on....i don't know...yet

Danny

[Jim Finn]

can some one tell me the botanic name of this green poplar as the only poplar ive seen here in oz is sorta creamy white colour

You are lucky to get the light colored poplar. Hard to find here. Most all of it has some green in it .

[Janette]

I think like any wood, it will change over time - usually it's so gradual you don't notice it.

[gippslander]

You are lucky to get the light colored poplar. Hard to find here. Most all of it has some green in it .

lol jim the grass is always greener on the other side

[jim_mex]

Hey Carole and Tom- I just love answering popular questions! - pun intended - LOL!

In my experience with popular, I've found that the green color generally goes to brown over time, and wondered how that plays out with the intarsia piece

can some one tell me the botanic name of this green poplar as the only poplar ive seen here in oz is sorta creamy white colour

To comment on both questions - A while back I read up on some interesting info about poplar oxidation and was surprised to find out that what is generally termed poplar in the USA isn't a true poplar but rather a wood known as tulip poplar or yellow poplar and that true poplar is often known as cottonwood. This might well explain why Tom can't find green poplar in the land of Oz - maybe you're looking at real poplar Tom.

I bookmarked two very interesting pages from a site talking about this issue and which also includes examples of 'poplar' oxidation over time. The pages are well worth spending a few mins to look over. As to keeping that green poplar green I use a trick which I picked up from a couple of crafty intarsia artists. I add just a little of alcohol based green stain to my green going on brown poplar to cheat a little!

Links are
1) general info on poplar

Exotic Wood poplar

and
2) examples of oxidation over time


http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/poplar/exposed/index.htm

[handibunny]

Wow, Jim! I just took a quick look at those links, and have to come back later to read more thoroughly. I love detailed information that actually informs!

Are there any limits to the depth of your curiosity and knowledge? I've been impressed over and over, from the pasties to ceramics, to almost anything else!

Are you sure you can't make the meeting at DD in Saratoga Springs?

[jim_mex]

Hey Carole - glad you found the links of use.

As to the depths of my curiosity. You really do flatter me. Its nothing special. I just like trying out new things and the searching for information on them when I do and the only thing I consider that I'm maybe naturally blessed with, apart from an insane level of curiosity on most things, is a capacity for absorbing info backed with a good recall ability for things which other folks maybe might consider trivial.

Now - what were you saying........ LOL!

I'd love to make the meeting if I were in your vicinity but I think I have to pass on this occasion. Sorry!

[gippslander]

that clears it up ,now all ive got to do is find some american tulip in australia probably my only chance is if some one has planted one ,thanks for that jim