Colour is an important aspect of living and when well coordinated it enhances the ambiance of tranquility or in harmony with the environment. Natural products provide an endless choice of shades and hues that create environment that are pleasing to both the senses and mind. In Malaysia, the wide colour spectrum of timbers provides many options that will suit the need of any consumer.
The presence of extraneous chemicals (constituents) associated with different growth features affect the absorption and reflection of different wavelengths of light from its surface, giving timber a characteristic colour. Timber in general is not monochromatic; it is a complex blend of shades of colour that are difficult to describe precisely. However, one can generally categorize them based on broad colour range for easy selection (Table 1). Timber users may have preference on the colour of the wood for specific end-uses and these grouping may be useful.
The natural appearance of timber may be blemished by stain or discolouration that is not deliberately introduced into the timber either chemically or biologically while undergoing processing. Biological stains are caused by living organism such as moulds and fungi. Chemical stains include sticker marks, water marks and iron stains. The presence of stain on timber may reduce the economic value of the timber.
| Attribute name | Attribute value |
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| Book Details | |
| Publication Date | 2005 |
| Language | English |
| Author | K. S. Gan, Lim, S. C. & Mohd. Dahlan Jantan |
| Publication Code | TTB34 |
| Pages | 8pp |
