Colour Matching: Blending Tassie Oak with Dark Engineered Timber - Northcote

Introduction/Summary

Achieving a seamless flow between different flooring types, especially when one is existing and untouchable, presents a unique challenge in timber floor restoration. In a recent project, our client faced this exact dilemma: integrating areas of Tassie Oak with existing, dark walnut coloured engineered timber that was not to be sanded or altered. MyFlooring embarked on a meticulous colour-matching journey, utilising a custom limewash technique and water-based polyurethane finish to harmonise these distinct timbers, resulting in a cohesive and visually pleasing outcome.

The Colour Matching Conundrum: Engineered vs. Solid Timber

The property featured beautiful, pre-finished engineered timber, deep and rich in a walnut tone, in a central area. The remaining sections of the home, however, were traditional Tassie Oak – a much lighter, naturally pale timber. The client's aspiration was for the Tassie Oak to colour match timber floors as closely as possible to the dark engineered flooring, creating a unified aesthetic.

We openly discussed the inherent limitations with the client: achieving a 100% colour match between factory-produced, distressed engineered timber and freshly sanded solid Tassie Oak is virtually impossible. The distinct grain patterns, the "feel" of engineered boards, and the way each timber inherently takes colour would always result in subtle differences. However, our commitment was to achieve the closest possible blend and a "good" final colour.

The Solution: Tailored Limewash for Dark Toning

Our approach centred on leveraging the versatility of limewash, not as a lightening agent (as often used with Tassie Oak), but as a sophisticated method for Tassie Oak staining dark to emulate the walnut tone of the engineered timber.

The process involved:

1. Careful Sanding: Preparing the Tassie Oak to ensure a clean, even base for colour application.

2. Varied Sample Creation: Understanding that Tassie Oak takes on colour differently due to its base hue and natural variations, we prepared a range of custom limewash samples directly on the client's floor. This allowed us to assess how the pigments would interact with the timber and how they would appear against the existing engineered floor. This step was crucial for custom timber floor staining.

3. Precise Limewash Application: Once the perfect sample was chosen by the client, we meticulously applied the custom limewash. This layer subtly imbued the Tassie Oak with the desired depth and warmth, drawing it closer to the rich walnut tones of the engineered flooring, and showcasing our expertise in hardwood floor colour change Melbourne.

   
   

The Final Touch: Water-Based Polyurethane Protection

To complete the transformation and protect the newly toned Tassie Oak, we applied a durable water-based polyurethane. This finish was selected for its exceptional clarity, ensuring the carefully achieved colour match remained true without any yellowing over time. It also provides a robust, long-lasting protective layer, ideal for everyday living. The result was a harmonious surface that successfully achieved the client's vision for a cohesive and elegantly dark timber floor, demonstrating our skill in water-based poly dark timber applications.

The Satisfying Outcome: Seamless Integration

The final outcome was a triumph of precise craftsmanship and client collaboration. While a 100% identical match was never guaranteed, the Tassie Oak flooring now blends beautifully and harmoniously with the existing dark engineered timber. The subtle distinctions in grain and feel are overshadowed by the cohesive colour story across the property, creating a sophisticated and unified aesthetic. The client was delighted with the "good" final colour and the overall transformation, confirming the success of our professional floor colour adjustment service.

Seeking Timber Floor Colour Matching Expertise?

If you're grappling with blending floor types or need colour matching timber floors in your Melbourne home, MyFlooring specialises in intricate timber floor renovation Melbourne projects. Our expertise in limewash for dark wood and other custom solutions can help bridge the gap between different timber surfaces.

Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you achieve a seamless and beautiful floor in your home!