Replies

1. 
   Jed_C. | Jan 05, 2000 11:03pm | #1

   *
   See the current issue of FWW (140) on page 130--a shopmade ebony stain that works great on oak (and any other wood high in tannins).

1. 
   Drew_Nyman | Jan 28, 2000 12:42pm | #2

   *see black dyes (not stains)

1. 
   Howard_Acheson | Jan 29, 2000 08:16pm | #3

   *Here is what I did to create the effect you are seeking. I used a Krylon Black in the spray can. It is so thin that it will color the wood but not fill the grain.

1. 
   John_List | Feb 06, 2000 07:09am | #4

   *Scott,I just finished a job that required black counter tops. I used red oak ply. My first attempt, on scrap, was with a water based black dye that yielded bad results. I followed the manufacturer's directions, but the dye would not penetrate the wood properly. I next tried a black water based color stain "Country Color" brand. Results were very good after the second coat, completely Black with the grain patterns visible. I top coated it with polyurethane. Looks great. Give it a try.

1. 
   Steven_P._Thomas | Feb 07, 2000 05:43am | #5

   *When I want to turn oak black I ebonize it. Try putting a few iron nails in a jar of white vinegar. After a few days wipe the vinegar-nail solution on the oak, and right before your eyes it'll turn very dark black. It may have a slight purplish cast to it, but when you apply a finish to it, it turns out black, and I mean black.If you want to kill the process (on another project) before it gets too dark you can neutralize the vinegar-nail solution with household ammonia. Try it! It's fun. I tried getting oak to turn green by soaking copper in vinegar, but it didn't work. Something chemically isn't happening that would require the process to work out. Best of luck!