This curly soft maple is highly figured with tiger-striped rays running perpendicular to the grain pattern. Along with the wood's light color, this striping lends a shimmering quality to the lumber. Even unfinished, the wood has a very pleasing interaction with light.
It is no surprise, then, that curly maple has become a woodworker's favorite for accents, specialty furniture, musical instruments, and more. If a lacquer or urethane finish is necessary, adding a coat or two of clear wax-free shellac before the final finishing will ensure that the figure stands out.,This curly soft maple is highly figured with tiger-striped rays running perpendicular to the grain