Deciding which walnut variety looks the best.

[newbuilder101]

My shipment of walnut just arrived!

When I opened the package, I realized there were FOUR varieties of walnut. I hadn't expected this and now I am having a hard time choosing the best one. Ultimately the decision will be mine, but I'm curious to see what other modellers think.

I've brushed on a quick coat of satin poly to bring out the grain. I've also included a mixed sample as well.

 

[Pete38]

Number 3 looks good to me...looks like it has a straighter grain and just a little bit tighter than the rest....

 

but like you said...final decision is yours and from what I have seen of your build you will make a nice decision....

[Modeler12]

I would not mix. If anything you might consider a light color on port and a dark on starboard (or the other way?).

[casper1961]

Hey Sherry

 

Is it possible to provide a close-up of each sample? It's a bit hard to make out sample #1

 

Are these different varieties of Black Walnut or just from different trees? 

 

Steve

[augie]

Double clicking on the photo provides a somewhat enlarged view.  I'll go for #3.

[casper1961]

Me Again!

 

When you say there were  4 varieties of walnut do you mean colour variations, grain variations or both?

 

When you get a kit as you know it is all bundled nicely together and I would think, I don't want to assume because you know what they say when you assume? But I would hope that a good quality kit manufacturer has taken the time to screen through the selection of wood materials and has bundled according to colour, maybe not grain but at least colour. So the 2nd planking of walnut in a kit would likely be very similar in colour. To me, I don't mind grain variation as it can be nice to see the different planks as the grain variation will show that. All straight grain may not. So the grain may be more of a personal choice.

 

Steve

[casper1961]

Hey Augie

 

Did that but it is still hard to make out #1...just saying!

 

Steve

[RiverRat]

Hey, it's your choice as for as color, grain and texture, and what appearance you hope to achieve. I'd also prefer 3, though,....straighter grain, more consistent color. All seem too coarse to simulate scale wood grain, but that's an eternal curse to modellers, ain't it?

 

Brian

[newbuilder101]

I'll take some more pictures tomorrow.

I have some experience with wood, as I've done a lot of furniture restoration, refinishing and actually built a few pieces. I know at least two samples are black/American walnut which has heartwood that is light brown to dark chocolate brown, occasionally with a purplish cast and darker streaks. It is possible that all are the same species, since the wood can vary in colour depending from which part of the tree it came. That being said, I'm suspicious that #4 is a different species.

 

You're right about the scale Brian, but that's the sacrifice if walnut is the wood of choice.

[realworkingsailor]

I'd stay away from number 4.... That cross grain could be nothing but trouble. Number 2 doesn't look too bad, but as far as colour goes, I would have to agree with the crowd on number 3.

 

Andy

[edmay]

Hi Sherry, double click showed no 4 to busy,going with the flow no3 gets my vote,better looking grain and color.You do nice work,Edwin

[Sjors]

Morning Sherry,

 

In my opinion I also goes for number 3.

It speaks a little .

It jump out of the crowd 

The colour is warm and the grain is great!

 

[Anja]

Hello Sherry,

 

I join the majority and vote for number 3.

It has a more straight grain than the others and a warm colour.

 

Anja

[Adrieke]

walnut 3 and 1 in that order 2 is too dark and 4 woudlnt look right

[popeye the sailor]

I went with #3 as well.......although the mixed got me thinking.   #3 down just past the wales, then go to a darker, more brackish color by adding a blackish wash to it,  before the bottom hull color, or copper

[newbuilder101]

Thanks everyone! I have to admit that I was having a bit of fun with everyone on the mixed selection.

Truth is, I was leaning toward number 3 as well and you have helped to solidify that decision for me....at least for now.

[casper1961]

Hey Sherry

 

Sample # 3  for me...not based on any one else's opinions, other than my own...I like the warmth and straight grain and red-brown tone

 

Thanks for doing this survey...it was fun!

 

Cheers

Steve