after reading here about ebonizing with iron dissolved in vinegar I thought I'd give it a try.
this summer when I replaced some deck boards I threw the old nails in a jar of vinegar and its been sitting since.
more research led me to purchase some Bark Tan to help with the process http://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/ebonizing_wood
These two items along with an oak bowl that I liked but didn't love created the perfect storm and I dove in this evening.
Figured I would try other woods for comparison
Left to right are ash, cherry, maple and cypress
On the strips I left a bit without the bark tan to see the difference with and without. without is not great.
I also tried the bowl- far right here
its worth noting that the rough scrap wood accepted the dye much more readily than the smoother surface of the bowl which was ready for final finish.
I went back and roughed up the bowl surface with 120 and applied the solutions again
Its looking better.
Will post a pic or two when I get it where I want.
I really like the way the ash and cherry worked out, especially the ash. will be interested to try some maple that is smoother than my chainsaw left it.
As stated in the Popular Woodworking article, the magic seems to be-
If you want to try it, I highly recommend the article in the link- lots of info there that I've glossed over.
this summer when I replaced some deck boards I threw the old nails in a jar of vinegar and its been sitting since.
more research led me to purchase some Bark Tan to help with the process http://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/ebonizing_wood
These two items along with an oak bowl that I liked but didn't love created the perfect storm and I dove in this evening.
Figured I would try other woods for comparison
Left to right are ash, cherry, maple and cypress
I also tried the bowl- far right here
I went back and roughed up the bowl surface with 120 and applied the solutions again
Its looking better.
Will post a pic or two when I get it where I want.
I really like the way the ash and cherry worked out, especially the ash. will be interested to try some maple that is smoother than my chainsaw left it.
As stated in the Popular Woodworking article, the magic seems to be-
- apply the bark tan solution,
- let it soak in,
- wipe off excess,
- apply the iron solution,
- soak,
- wipe,
- apply a second coat of bark tan. That's when the real black happens.
If you want to try it, I highly recommend the article in the link- lots of info there that I've glossed over.