Replies

1. 
   foose89 | Nov 14, 2004 07:12pm | #1

   You will have more or less success depending on the wood, but iron acetate works surprising well....you'll also enjoy a serendipitous high.

2. 
   Paul_Snyder | Nov 15, 2004 02:55am | #2

   There's india ink. Or for woods that contain tannins you can use iron sulfate. Steel wool left soaking in a container of vinegar that's not firmly sealed will produce iron sulfate. For woods that don't contain tannins, start with a wash of tannic acid. You can also get iron sulfate (ferrous sulfate)in powder or crystal form.

   Paul S
   Website

3. 
   jpari | Nov 15, 2004 11:17pm | #3

   Hi shinto. Yes there is a formula for ebonizing wood. I just used it this weekend and it worked perfectly. All you need to do is take a course steel wool pad, place it loosely in the bottom of a jar. Pour white vinegar into the jar until about an inch over the steel wool pad. Let this solution sit for 24 hours. Then pour the liquid through a coffee filter into another jar. Do not squeeze out the steel wool pad, you will end up with steel wool particles in the solution. Within a short time the solution will turn a dark red to brown. From here, apply it to your wood with a rag or brush. When the wood drys, it will be a dark grey. If you wish it to be blacker, apply another coat of solution, the darker the grey color, the blacker the end result. If any grain raising occurs, sinply go over the wood lightly with 0000 steel wool. Do not fret, when finish is applyed, the wood will turn jet black. Black walnut works the best, but oak or ash gives some great results as well. Good Luck, you will not be unhappy with the results.

1. 
   highfigh | Nov 16, 2004 09:47am | #4

   As in anything else, do it on a test piece first.