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I agree that too much of this is “non-topic” comment. And if you are no longer lurking, you may not see this. But…
There was a recent discussion on green copperas. I notice on your website that you use that chemical to stain many of your pieces. I am familar with commercial dyes and stains. I have dabbled a little with “natural” concoctions. I have read a little about traditional wood coloring techniques, such as Bichromate of Potash and Van Dyke Crystals. So, how and why of green copperas? Others? In other words, is this a common use for green copperas that I am not aware? Is this unique to you? Where did you learn about it? And I am not looking for an answer to each of these. I am just curious.
Of course this is not intended just for Sgian. It is an open question.
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No, it's not unique to me. I learnt it many years ago, and I don't remember where. Polishers use all sorts of tricks, and in fact aniline dyes are rather considered a non traditional means of staining, being less than 200 years old, and a product of the petro chemical industry. I know more than this regarding aniline dyes, but I'm in a bit of a rush and don't have the time to do a bit of research and marshal information properly. Finishing is a bit of a weak spot for me, but I can get by. There are others that pop in here with far greater knowledge than I on this topic, and if your lucky one of them will respond.
I'm hoping that I've included a link to the topic to which you refer. (If not, would someone who knows how, do a proper link for me, please!?) I'm crap at these link things. You could of course copy the garbage below, paste it into the address and hit enter. That will probably get you there.
Does this go some way to answering your question? Sliante.
http://webx.taunton.com/WebX?128@@.ee918d4
*Sgian,Thanks for the info. My question concerned the green copperas. I followed the other thread about its effect but never understood "the why". I have info on the analine history. I thought green copperas was the same as ferrous sulfate which is a vitamin supplement. It struck me odd that a vitamin would be used as a dye. I had never seen it discussed in historical context. Curiosity was my only motivation. Thanks again. It does look good on your pieces,although it is hard to tell the exact color achieved.
*Larry, Green Copperas and Ferrous Sulphate are indeed the same thing. I had no idea it is also a vitamin supplement. I still don't fully understand the 'why' but the information provided in those threads indicate that the reactions are rather complex, and sometimes it's the iron bit that's effective, and sometimes it is the sulphate bit, and perhaps a combination in some timbers.This all seems to depend on the agents within the timber. Anyway, as far as I'm concerned, it works, and that's the most important thing.Sliante.
*Sgian,This whole green copperas question drove me to do a little reading on chemical stains. Although I had forgotten it, UNDERSTANDING WOOD FINISHING (Flexner) mentions it. Also, HAND-APPLIED FINISHES (Jewitt) discussed iron acetate which does about the same thing (iron reacting with tannin). Primarily I use analine dyes. This has brought up an area that I had not pursued. I will continue just for info.This brings green copperas to a happy ending. Thanks for the info. Finishing is an interesting subject.
*Sgian and Larry, Here is the word on ferrous sulfate from the Merck Index, An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. The index lists the forms of the chemical in question, how it is made or where is is derived from, some physical properties, and what it's uses are. Here is the use section for Ferrous sulfate:In manufacture of Fe (Iron), Fe compounds, other sulphates, in Fe electroplating baths; as food and feed supplement; in radition dosimeters; as a reducing agent in chemical processes; as wood preservative; as weed killer; in prevention of chlorsis in plants; in other pesticides; in writing ink; in process engraving and litography; as dye for leather; in etching aluminum; in water treatment; in qualitative analysis; as polymerization catalyst. Theraputic Cat: Hematinic. Theraputic Cat (VET): in iron deficiency. Astringent.Quite a few uses, this is common for most chemicals. You should be able to find this reference bok in most large libraries or college/university libraries if you are ever interested in looking something up. Bob
*Bob,Thanks for the info and reference. I have used the Merck book for prescription medicines. (It was Merck but as best as I remember it was a physicians reference.) Anyway, it never dawned on me to look for the Merck Index. Mainly because until your reply I didn't know that it exsisted. That will be a good reference for future use. Thanks.
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