Maple is a very hard and dense wood species, which limits its absorption of colored oil. To allow for optimal absorption, it is necessary to wet the wood to open the pores. This process is called wetting and can be easily done.

To do this, simply generously wet the wood with a sponge and warm water, then let it dry for about two hours. After drying, the surface may appear rough, which is why it is recommended to lightly sand with a 220 grit abrasive paper to lay down the fibers raised by the water. Once this step is completed, the surface is ready for the application of the colored oil.