Though straight grain Padauk is certainly a beautiful wood, it is the burl (called "Amboyna") that is the most sought after. Known for its interleaving colors of red, orange, brown and yellow, amboyna burl is unmistakably one of the forest's most valued species. Before a finish is applied, this veneer typically develops a white crystal-like formation on the surface. We have been unable to determine the origin or cause of this growth.
Some say it is a result of the minerals and/or sugars in the wood cells being displaced by air. Others claim the crystals to be a fungus. To remove the crystals, simply spray the veneer with denatured alcohol and wipe clean.
Common Names:
|
Amboyna, Narra, Andaman Redwood, Maidou, Amboine, Padauk |
|
Scientific Name:
|
Pterocarpus indicus | |
Family:
|
Leguminosae | |
Color:
|
Brown to reddish with occasional orange colors, sapwood is yellowish | |
Origin:
|
Indonesia, South East Asia | |
Hardness:
|
Primarily hard | |
Texture:
|
Medium texture with circular grain | |
Finishing:
|
Readily accepts stains and finishes | |
Interesting Fact:
|
Amboyna burl wood veneer is often used on automotive dashboards and was the first burl veneer to be offered in Rolls Royce automobiles. |