Purple Heart Gurus Needed!

[Cheez Dawg]

I just finished a purple heart shaft for my break cue. Actually, it's ready to have the finish put on, which leads me to my question.
Once the finish is on, will the wood continue to darken to that nice deep purple color, or will putting the finish on it halt that?
Should I leave it alone for a while, or will it be alright to go ahead and finish it?

 

[manwon]

I just finished a purple heart shaft for my break cue. Actually, it's ready to have the finish put on, which leads me to my question.
Once the finish is on, will the wood continue to darken to that nice deep purple color, or will putting the finish on it halt that?
Should I leave it alone for a while, or will it be alright to go ahead and finish it?

It will continue to darken into a Deep Purple color, unless you use a UV finish which will slow the process down. However, by spinning it in the lathe and appling a dry soft cloth while spining it will heat the wood a little which will cause the color change faster.

 

[Arnot Wadsworth]

I just finished a purple heart shaft for my break cue. Actually, it's ready to have the finish put on, which leads me to my question.
Once the finish is on, will the wood continue to darken to that nice deep purple color, or will putting the finish on it halt that?
Should I leave it alone for a while, or will it be alright to go ahead and finish it?

Ultra-Violet light is the animal that darkens Purple Heart Wood. A UV light will darken the wood quickly. If you don't have a UV sustem go ahead and finish the cue. After it is finished hang it outside in the sunlight and it will darken quicker. No matter what you do it will darken over time until it reached a brown color.

Good Cuemaking,