Black Finish (white vinegar & steel wool) Update...

Black Finish (white vinegar & steel wool) Update... · 10-01-2009, 12:28 AM

It's been many years since I've messed with black any suggestions on black dyes for RO?

Thanks

NCTurner · 10-01-2009, 01:16 AM

Steel wool dissolved in vinegar.

JackLeg · 10-01-2009, 08:59 AM

Is this the same Jeff Mills that gives me heck for suggesting that painting is anathema? LOL!

sawduster · 10-01-2009, 10:16 AM

http://www.wildlifeintarsiadesign.co...izing_wood.htm

make sure you do not use " commercial " steel wool as it sometimes has an oil on it to prohibit rust

woodlaker2 · 10-01-2009, 01:12 PM

If you want something seemingly a little off the wall, try tar or black ink. I know, I know but last year Alan Noel (who has run a refinishing business for 25 years in Atlanta and writes for Highland Woodworking on finishing techniques) put on a 2-day finishing class sponsored by the TWA up in Raleigh last year and he used both of those materials to blacken wood. Sorry I couldn't find my notes but maybe you know someone in the TWA group who will remember the process or who can give you Alan's e-mail address. I do remember the class members disbelief until Alan showed us the results...they were pretty effective....and simple! Good luck.

Jeff Mills · 10-01-2009, 01:50 PM

I'll give steel wool / vingar a try. I was going to buy a alcohol base dye, but what can it hurt trying a little steel wool and vinegar?

Reggie, daughter projects generally go against our better judgment.

Duster here is another internet article ---> http://www.iswonline.com/ArticleLand...ontentID=14668

Thank Guys... I'll keep you posted on this crazy experiment

Thanks

nelsone · 10-01-2009, 05:48 PM

There was an article in Pop Wood recently that gave the ebonizing process it good detail. If i remember correctly Brian Boggs wrote it who's a member. Maybe you should shoot him a PM.

nelsone · 10-01-2009, 06:03 PM

Here's the link

Popular Woodworking

Jeff Mills · 10-01-2009, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by nelsone

Here's the link

Popular Woodworking

Thanks a bunch

I've got a couple chunks of rusty steel and a steel wool pad soaking in a quart mason jar about 7/8 full of heinz white vinegar - it's bubbling like crazy, no wonder they tell you to put a hole in the lid.

nelsone · 10-01-2009, 08:03 PM

Can't wait to see how it turns out!

eyekode · 10-01-2009, 08:44 PM

Jeff,
A process I have used with some success is to use both dye and stain. Start with transtint dye. This will leave it quite dark but with a slightly purple-ish tint. Follow it by a black stain. This will really deepen the black and removes the purple tint. When done you can still see the pattern of the grain.

I have used wipe-on poly over this and really like the results.
Best wishes,
Salem

Trog777 · 10-01-2009, 10:32 PM

I use india ink.

Ken Massingale · 10-01-2009, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by Trog777

I use india ink.

Same here.

Jeff Mills · 10-02-2009, 12:48 AM

Originally Posted by Ken Massingale

Same here.

I figured I would give the home brew a chance. After seeing what steel does to fresh sawn oak, I figure it might just work. Red Oak smells a lot like puke anyways so what's a little vinegar going to hurt?

If the home brew don't work - I got lots of other things to try thanks for all the tips. Although I am surprised Fred didn't chime in about dragging broads around a mud hole or something...

rbdoby · 10-02-2009, 08:51 AM

Jeff,

Here's a picture of 2 chairs I finished last weekend. The pieces for both chairs were split out of the same red oak log. One I left natural the other was stained with a solution of white vinegar and steel wool. Finished both with Danish oil and used binder cane to weave the seats.

Let a wad of steel wool set in a pint of white vinegar overnight, strained it with a coffee filter. Applied the solution with a spray bottle. It only took about 20 minutes for the red oak to turn black. I let it dry for a couple of days to let the vinegar smell air out before I applied the Danish oil.

Hope this helps.

Rick Doby