Contents
Can you make spalted maple?
Choice woods for spalting are those prone to rotting, such as poplar, maple, and birch. Under ideal conditions, you can make spalted wood in a couple of months, though results will vary depending on fungal and wood species and the climate in your area.
How do you make wood look spalted?
Spalt wood in a bag or plastic bin. To help maintain an even dampness around the boards, pour in and then wet some vermiculite. Air-dried wood comes already laden with dormant spores of different fungi, so there is no need to introduce more spores.
Can any wood be spalted?
All wood can decay, therefore all wood can spalt. There are no ‘ideal’ woods for spalting, but all wood species spalt differently, and some fungi prefer some wood species to others.
Is spalted maple expensive?
Retail prices for 4/4 spalted maple were quoted at $7.50 to $9/bf, though price is often dictated by the amount of figure.
What does spalted maple look like?
Like most maple, spalted maple is used as a veneer and typically paired with a mahogany body. It’s unique appearance is due to fungus that invades the wood and creates distinct black striping called zone lines. These lines are built up by the fungus as a way to delineate itself from the rest of the wood or other fungi.
Can you use spalted maple for a cutting board?
The dark lines prized in spalted wood are caused by white rot fungus. What the fungus adds in beauty, however, it takes away in hardness, leaving behind soft, punky areas. So right away we’d advise against using it for cutting boards.
What does spalted wood look like?
The term spalted refers to the discoloration and detailed dark lines that occurs from fungal growth in the wood as it decays and rots. The discoloration frequently includes brown and black staining. The detailed dark lines (sometimes referred to as zone lines) can create very intricate patterns.
How do you seal spalted wood?
We recommend applying lacquer or water-based varnish, two finishes that add little color to wood. However, if you prefer a warmer, more amber look, you can use oil-based varnish or shellac. You might choose polyurethane for items that will receive a lot of use. Avoid applying oil, such as boiled linseed oil.
What causes wood to be spalted?
Spalting is caused by certain white-rot decay fungi growing in wood–primarily hardwoods such as maple, birch, and beech. The fungi create —zone lines“ in the wood where territories of competing fungi meet. If these decay fungi are allowed to grow for too long, however, the strength of the wood is diminished.
What causes maple to Spalt?
What, exactly, is spalted Maple?
Spalted maple is just ordinary maple that’s partly rotten. After the wood is cut, different colonies of stain, mold and decay fungi attack it and establish boundaries to preserve their turf. That’s what those black lines are-borders between warring tribes. They don’t follow any regular pattern, such as the tree’s growth rings.
What causes spalted wood?
In the decorative wood market, spalted wood is in high demand. Spalting is caused by certain white-rot decay fungi growing in woodŠprimarily hardwoods such as maple, birch , and beech.
What causes spalting in wood?
Spalting is any form of wood coloration caused by fungi. Although primarily found in dead trees, spalting can also occur in living trees under stress. Although spalting can cause weight loss and strength loss in the wood, the unique coloration and patterns of spalted wood are sought by woodworkers.