{"id":439,"date":"2009-08-17T15:47:19","date_gmt":"2009-08-17T19:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.woodworkerssource.com\/blog\/?p=439"},"modified":"2009-08-17T16:34:58","modified_gmt":"2009-08-17T20:34:58","slug":"the-grape-popsicle-of-woodworking-purple-heart-wood-peltogyne-spp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.woodworkerssource.com\/blog\/wood-conversations\/the-grape-popsicle-of-woodworking-purple-heart-wood-peltogyne-spp\/","title":{"rendered":"The Grape Popsicle of Woodworking: Purple Heart Wood (Peltogyne spp.)"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Argyle<\/a>

Argyle Art Nouveau Chair by Matt Sandoval<\/p><\/div>\n

Yes, you too might be convinced that the wood called purple heart is dyed to get that vivid color. Or maybe that it’s not a wood at all.<\/p>\n

It happens every day in our stores where we invariably get asked, “So, c’mon is that really the natural color<\/em>?”<\/p>\n

Well, it most certainly is.<\/p>\n

Believe it or not, Purple Heart may come from about 20 species within Peltogyne<\/span>, which is found throughout Central and South America. The wood from each species is so similar in appearance to one another that the industry accepts them all to be allocated and distributed as one. Trees grow to enormous heights of 170 ft<\/strong> with diameters to 4 ft (but usually 1.5 to 3 ft); boles are straight, cylindrical, and clear for 60 to 90 ft which is why you’ll nearly always get totally clear boards of purple heart.\u00a0 It’s a great tree that yields a lot of good lumber.<\/p>\n

\"Purple<\/a>

Purple Heart Tree and wood Scan<\/p><\/div>\n

The wood is a worldwide favorite due to its deep purple color. Freshly cut, the wood actually shows a dull gray color but it turns purple upon exposure to air and light, and pretty quickly too.\u00a0 Just set a fresh cut board out in the sun one morning and by afternoon you’ll notice a significant change.<\/p>\n

Over time the wood does darken, some to a dark brown and others just to a darker purple. Oil finishes will speed the darkening.<\/p>\n

Otherwise, lacquer and water based finishes will hold the color longer.<\/p>\n

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Tip for Finishing Purple Heart:<\/h3>\n

Before applying the finish, put your project in the sun for a few hours. This will make the color more intense.<\/p>\n