Alder finishes with the creme de la creme

l=INISHING techniques which F can make Western alder a look alike to walnut, mahogany, teak, cherry or fruitwood with a high quality furniture finish are being developed in a joint test program conducted by Northwest Hardwood, Inc., Portland, Or., and Lilly Industrial Finishes Laboratory, Hillsboro, Or.

Better grain definition and less absorption in burly and end-grain wood areas came with the testing technique which involves sanding Western alder with a fine grit sanding belt, using a 400 grit for walnut or mahogany and teak looks and a 280 grit for cherry and fruitwood tones.

The special fine sanding belt gives a burnished surface that apparently lays the end fibers down, according to Cliff Chulos, sales manager of Northwest Hardwoods. "The stain coat is more uniform and the blotchiness, often called birch end-grain bleed, is practically eliminated," he said.

Jerry McKnight, color technician at the Lilly Co., explained, "We use an NGR (non grain raising) stain as the first coat to provide depth of color and accent the grain throughout the panel. It aids in obtaining a uniform coloration throughout the entire production run. The second coat is a wiping stain that we allow to set for half a minute before wiping."

A thin sanding sealer is then applied, dried and lightly hand sanded with an equally fine oxide paper. A glazing stain which highlights the desired wood tone, usually a fruitwood or warm walnut, is applied. After setting briefly it is wiped and brushed with a glazing brush for a fine furniture texture.

Hand padding can be done, but the grain definition of the Western alder, which closely resembles cherry and walnut, often achieves the desired values without this step. A final coat or two coats of lacquer gives the performance needed for table or cabinet surfaces.

"When converting to the 280 or

Story at a Glance

Test program produces high f urniture f inish...line sanding essential concentrated stain needed results satisfy table & cabinet performance standards.

,t0O grit sanding, the stain should be more concentrated to achieve the final fruitwood or walnut tone. Also it was suggested that the glazing stain might be the same oil-type as the wiping stain. Its purpose is to give the desired final color and fill any pores that might not be filled in the initial application, thus assuring a high quality furniture finish," concluded McKnight.

Chulos added, "We apparently have achieved the ideal surface and finishing technique based on the super fine 280 or 400 grit sanding. This is most practical for Western alder with its uniform density and color. "

The hygroscopic nature of Western alder permits better penetration and more uniform color. according to Dick Behm, a wood industry consultant. "Unlike many other close grain woods, alder is very consistent in density and uniform in color. Being kiln dried and abrasive planed at the mill assures a uniform surface that accepts the very fine sanding that does not seal against the stain coats. Another bonus is the stability of the natural wood color that is resistant to change even when exposed to sunlight and ultra-violet rays. As long as stable earth stains are used, the problem of the final finish fading or darkening is practically eliminated."

Home Entertainment

(Continued from page 54) to nearly 220 million in 1995, an average of two per household. Color sets are expected to maintain about an 8690 share ofsales from now until the mid-1990s. Sales of large screen models, which comprised only 490 of market in 1981, are projected by Predicasts to reach l09o by 1995. Rather than experience any decline in popularity over the next decade, television equipment-will entrench even further into American family life for a number of reasons.

Specifically, many of the recent home entertainment innovations, such as video games, video recorders and personal computers involve the use of television units.

The advent and mass consumer acceptance of high fidelity stereophonic sound equipment resulted in an ll-plus 9o annual increase in sales of audio equipment from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. Sales of audio reproduction equipment, in particular, rose from $600 million in 1967 to nearly $4 billion in 198 l, due mainly to continual technological improvements and product innovations. Cassette recorder and player sales have exhibited dramatic increases. mushrooming from $8 million in 1967 to $2.5 billion in 1981. Projections for cassette equipment call for increases to over $3 billion by I 985, and over $5.5 billion by the mid-1990s. Predicasts also sees significant gains for audio components, speakers, amplifiers, receivers and microphones. Sales of this equipment are projected to expand from about $650 million in l98l to over $l billion in 1985, and more than $3 billion by the mid-1990s.

WESTERI{ REGIOI{AL SALES

Nationally known Southwestern company specializing in quality building supply products is looking for a selfmotivated regional sales manager.

Must have a minimum of five years experience with a proven track record of achievement.

Position will be based in Los Angeles with extensive travel in eight Western states. Strong managerial, human relations and motivational skills required to manage eighteen exper- ienced salesmen within budget guidelines.

Send resume to P.O. Box 25188, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125.

Cooler on Top "Attic and Roof Ventilation Products," a l2-p. brochure is available free from Air Vent Inc., 4801 N. Prospect Rd., Peoria Hts., Il.61614.

Start at the Top

A revised edition of "Good Application Makes a Good Roof Better" is free from the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, 6288 Montrose Rd., Rockville, Md. 20852.

Roofing Ratings

A 2-p. summary of U.L. fire classification ratings of roofing materials is free from the Manville Service Center, 1601 23rd St., Denver, Co. 80216.

Opportunity Knocks

A 6-p. color brochure on fir and hemlock entry doors is free from the Fir & Hemlock Door Association, Dept. FH-6, Yeon Building, Portland, Or.972M.

Floor of the Future

A 6-p. color folder, "Hardwood Floors for Today and Tomorrow,' ' is free from the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association. 804 Sterick Building, Memphis, Tn. 38103.

Enter With Style

Twelve entry doors are described in a brochure available free from Simpson Timber Co., P.O. Box 566, Redmond, Wa. 98052.

Control Yourself

A32-p. brochure on business efficiency systems and products is available free from Caddylak Systems, Inc., 201 Montrose Rd., Westbury, N.Y. 11590.

Give Yourself Power

A catalog of professional power tools is free from Porter-Cable Corp., P.O. Box2;68, Jackson, Tn. 38301.

For Prompt Service

On all New Literature stories write directly to the name and address shown in each item. Please mention that you saw it in The Merchant Magazine. Many thanks!

Aflordable Houses

A ll2-p. book, "165 Affordable Home Plans," is available by sending $2.50 to Home Planners, Inc., Dept. 183, 23761 Research Dr., Farmington Hills, Mi.4802.

Solar Energy

A l6-p. booklet on solar energy is free from the National Woodwork Manufacturers Association. c/o Sumner Rider & Associates, Inc., 355 Lexington Ave., N.Y., N.Y. 10017.

Yellow Brick Road

A brochure on brick and tiles is available free from Hanley Brick Inc., Summerville, Pa. 15864.

Clean Sweep

An 8-p. free 4/c catalog describing home upkeep products is from The Savogran Co., P.O. Box 130, Norwood, Ma.0?.062.

lmplement Yourself

A new brochure describing implement holders and special display hooks for perfboard and slatwall is free from ArtPhyl Creations, 16250 N.W. 48th Ave., Miami, Fl. 33014.

Quartz Thermostats

A brochure describing quartz thermostats is free from Robertshaw Controls Co.. Consumer Products Marketing Group, 100 W. Victoria St., Long Beach, Ca. 90805.

Money Tree

A Il6-p. book on "Financing Forestry Investments: Attracting Private Capital to Timber and Timberland" is $5, postpaid, from NFPA Publications Office, 1619 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. Washington D.C. 2m36.

Life Extension

Electric gate operators are detailed in a l6-p. brochure available free from Richards-Wilcox Manufacturing Co., 174 Third St., Aurora, n. 60507.

Leaded Stained Glass

Hand-crafted stained glass with handcut or sand-etched center designs and frosted monograms is explained in a free brochure from Something Special, 1633 Yarnall Rd., Pottstown, Pa, 19464.

All About Eve

Three brochures on soffit and fascia products are available from Revere Brand Home Remodeling Products, 7120 Krick Rd., Cleveland, Oh. 4414f.

Thermoplasticity

A brochure on a thermoplastic window and door frame system is free from Artek Inds., 23890 Industrial Park Dr., Farmington Hills, Mi. 48024.

A Source of Moulding

A full color, 4-p. brochure on moulding is free from DG Shelter Products Moulding and Millwork Division, P.O. Box 610, Marion, Ya.24354.

Side With Vinyl

A full color, 4-p. brochure on vinyl siding is free from the Vinyl Siding Institute, 355 Lexington Ave., N.Y., N.Y. 10017.

The Silver Screen

"Screenings," a monthly newsletter of industry trends and sales tips, is free from Phifer Wire Products, Inc., P.O. Box 17fi), Tuscaloosa, Al. 35403.

Gtassified Advertisements

LOUISIANA-PACIFIC has an excellent opportunity for the right manager. If you have a successful background in contractor sales management, would like to live in Ventura County, Ca., and be a part of the L-P team, write Box 482 c/o The Merchant Magaz ine.

SAN FERNANIX)

We are accepting applications for experienced lumber yard clerical and/or counter personnel. Write Box 484 c/o The Merchant Magazine.

NIIUDED: lumber trader to sell retail and industrial accounts. Must have customer follorling. Excellent compensation and benefits package to fit the right person. A first class opportunitl- for you. Contact Jerrl Ensr.r'orth, Ensuorth Forest Products, Roseville, Ca. (916) 786-5 | I I

BAY AREA. No. Ca., wholesale distributor has opening for aggressive, experienced, knowledgeable salesperson. Send resume to Box 474 c/o The Merchant Magazine.

LOS ANGELES, Ca., moulding manufacturer and wholesaler seeks experienced inside/ outside salesman with management potential. Will hire handicapped. Salary and commission. Medical insurance. Write Box 48O c/o The Merchant Magazine.

INDUSTRIAL LUMBER BUYER

San Fernando Valley, Ca., opening with well established wholesaler for buyer with good mill contacts. Able to supervise small mill and some selling required. Send resume to Box 378 c/o The Merchant zine or phone (213) 875-25 | l.

EXPERIENCED pallet salesman. Established territory with active accounts. Company paid expenses. Medical & dental. Ask for Bill Hunter, Hunter Woodworks, (213) 7'15-2544.

WHOLESALE TRADER WANTED. No need to relocate. We offer the best of working arrangements and excellent compensation. Contact Paul Sparso, Agwood Mill& Lumber, Ukiah, Ca. , (707) 468-5486.

MOVE UP

($25,m0 to $70,01X))

Career mill sales, wholesale trading, manufacturing and distribution opportunities with our clients in the building products industry throughout the West. Contact Hank Berry in California (707) 538-7886, Search Northwest, 5055 Upper Ridge Road, Santa Rosa, Ca. 95404 or Carl Jansen at (503) 222-U61. Search Northwest Forest Industries Croup, 620 S.W. 5th, Suite 625, Portland, Or.972M.

All Fees Employer Paid

When sending in a chonge ol address please include zip code on both old and net' addrdsses and either the old label or rhe inlbrmation from it. Thanks!

600 a word, min. 25 words (25 words : $15). Phone number counts as one word. Address counts as six words. Headlines and centered copy ea. line; $4. Box numbers and special borders: $4 ea. Col. inch rate: $30. Names ofadvertisers using a box number cannot be released. Address all replies to box number shown in ad in care ofThe Merchant Megezine, 4500 Campus Dr., Suite 4t0, Newport Beach, Ca. 92660. Make checks payable to The Merchrnt Magrzine. Mail copy to above address or call (714) 549-8393. Deadline for copy is the 22nd of the month. PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY COPY.

OUTSIDE salesman. Creative, dependable, self-motivated. 26 years sales experience in wholesale softwoods, hardwoods and related products. References and sales records available. Relocation no problem. Compensation negotiable. Prefer distribution yard sales. Write Box 483 c/o The Merchant Maeazine.

CUSTOM DRY IOLN AND PLANING

Eugene, Or. Approximately 3 acres close to airport. l98l appraisal $1,868,000. 2 office buildings, machine shop, lift trucks, rotal 45,000 square feet undercover storage with sprinkler system. New $650,000 wood waste system. Priced at $850,000. Contact Norman Perry, Tree Products Co., P.O. Box 280, Lake Oswego, Or. 97034.