i’ve heard that purpleheart wood can have a negative reaction to sunlight – that it loses its vibrant color if exposed. does anyone know if this is a myth? kinda reminds me of a vampire or something…
From what I understand of it, purpleheart isn’t actually purple until it’s exposed to sunlight and air. Could be mistaken of course. But I have heard that it will continue to darken with age, as do many hardwoods.
Purpleheart that I’ve seen is sort of grayish when it’s first cut. The purple comes out within a couple of days and develops over time. Even in my flourescently lit shop, the change occurs. A woodworker friend told me that heat also brings out the color. I gently warmed a scrap of purpleheart with a small torch and it did indeed get VERY purple instantly.
Wish I could tell you what happens to this wood’s color long term: I’ve only made the whistles and sent them on their way.
Note to myself: put a finish on a scrap of Purpleheart and keep it around to see the changes…