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converting oiled walnut to "rosenut" color

I have a pair of Snell Type A-III's that I'm freshening up(new woofer foams and maybe some crossover updates).

I'd like to change the existing oiled walnut to a rosenut color. Overall, the walnut veneer on both speakers is in excellent condition and really needs no work. I'm reasonably adept in a woodworking shop and in wood finishing. I'm considering wiping them down with General Finishes Georgian Cherry gel stain. It has the right dark-wine color.

Has anyone done this before? Any suggestions for changing to color to rosenut? How about top finishes?..I don't want to use any heavy topcoats. I'd like them to appear as natural-original as possible. I know the refinish may impact their value, but I'm not too concerned about that.

thanks..
fishboat
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Recommend you try the new stain and topcoat on bottom of speakers first to see what the color looks like. Putting a dark color on walnut might just end up being really really dark.
vonhakemarine
55 posts
 
My experience has been any color stain added to an already dark color, darkens it even more, even if it does change it towards the color you want. Trying the bottom of the speaker first is very good advice although alot of speakers may not be veneered on that side.Darkening also can destroy the texture of a beautifully grained wood depending on the style of the veneer cutting process.This is from someone who has destroyed a few finishes and learned the hard way. Good luck.
theo's avatar
theo
2,719 posts
 
I would get a couple pieces of walnut at you local lumber yard or woodworking supply store and test a few stains before even touching the speakers. The veneer on the speakers is probably thin and won't permit much sanding.
If you can't get good results with the sample pieces you will have to re-veneer the speakers with rosenut or a wood tha can be stained to match the color/effect you seek.
But the re-veering may change the cabinet dynamics of the speakers.
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