Color and Oxidation

All of the initial raw wood colors begin to mellow and blend with finishing and exposure to ultra-violet light. The ultra-violet light reacts with surface and some sub-surface molecules producing a color change something like the way oxygen and water create rust on iron. A wonderfully uniform and rich mahogany oxidation layer, given adequate exposure to sunlight, integrates the variable raw colors.

Knowing this process occurs over some time helps with the beginning shock of buying mesquite based on an aged sample and then seeing the fresh lumber for the first time. The most important reason, though, for understanding this process, is to provide your floor or furniture with as much time and exposure as possible before placing throw rugs and skirted furniture in areas of high UV lighting. There is a chance of shadowing if the process is not provided adequate time. Given strong sunlight the process takes a week or so but given weak or little UV exposure could take much longer. No sealer coat and polyurethane with UV inhibitors can stunt the process considerably.

The initial coat of finish is always our reward for the task of installation and sanding. The color at once begins to show itself and the potential that waits. The change is almost imperceptible without the placing of a piece of card stock over a spot to really see the progression. The shadow effect is obvious in only one day of exposure. Have fun and enjoy watching your floor mature.

Fresh cut mesquite will range in color from graying blond to a ruddy brown to even a purple. It is not uncommon to see variations with charcoal coloration coming from mineral streaking as well as cocoa colors as a result of enzymes. Some kiln conditions can bring out a rusty auburn surface color.