Oceanic Cherry Color

[Richard]

I built my own canopy for my 215 but had a heck of a time matching the cherry color. Apparently Oceanic "Cherry" is a custom blend and they wont sell it to anyone. I took some of the wood I was using and a door off my stand to Sherwin Williams and they could not match it either. So through trial and error I was finally able to get a perfect match. I'm posting it here for any other DIY's and so I don't forget how I did it.

Step 1 - Stain the wood with Minwax Red Mahogany oil based stain and let dry.

Step 2 - Mix 1 part Minwax Polyshades "Natural Cherry" with 1 part Minwax Polyshades "Bombay Mahogany". I used the satin finish. Then thin it with about 10% mineral spirits. The directions say not to thin but I found it difficult to get an even coat without thinning it.

Step 3 - Apply 2 thin coats of the Polyshades mixture. Allow to dry completely between coats.

Step 4 - Apply 2 coats Helmsman Spar Urethane. This is just for extra protection from water and not for color so is optional I guess.

I also refinished my wet bar next to where the aquarium is going. It was an Oak color and I just gave it a light sanding so the polyshades mixture would adhere well and applied 2 coats of the polyshades mixture. Very close match. Now my wife is happy that everything matches .

Oh yeah, If you don't get an even coat with the polyshades it comes out very blotchy. So you might want to practice on a piece of scrap wood first.

[reefer]

thanks for that helpfull tip! i need to stain my canopy as well, and noticed that the "cherry " was more of a "mahogany" also!
8)

[Richard]

Here's a pic.