Ebonizing oak produces a black contrast to the natural light tones in the wood.
Oak is a popular hardwood choice for furniture and cabinetry. The beauty of oak can be enhanced with natural oil stains and finishes that allow the wood grain and varying natural hues to show through. In some situations there needs to be a break in the number of wood tones used in your home, or maybe you just want a different look for a particular piece. One option is to add contrast by ebonizing some or all of your oak project. Ebonizing, or staining black like ebony, is achieved by a chemical reaction created using a mixture of bark tea, steel wool and vinegar.
Instructions
1. Wash a fresh pad of steel wool and place it in a plastic quart bottle filled with vinegar. Allow the steel wool to dissolve in the vinegar. This can take up to a week.
2. Sand your surface thoroughly. Proper surface preparation is necessary. Raise the wood grain twice and before completing your final sanding.
3. Fill the other 1-quart bottle with hot tap water. Add the bark powder tea and mix well. Apply the mixture to the desired area of your project with a brush. Do not rub it in---just coat the surface well. Allow the tea to soak completely into the wood before proceeding.
4. Apply the vinegar solution using a brush. The chemical reaction should begin in the wood immediately. Continue applying the vinegar solution until all of the desired area has been covered. Allow the wood to dry thoroughly before continuing.
5. Use a rag to carefully wipe any iron deposits from the vinegar solution. Apply the bark tea solution with a brush again, this time as a rinse. Allow wood to dry before continuing.
6. Wash the completed project with clean water, and your ebonization is complete.
Tags: steel wool, vinegar solution, Allow wood, before continuing, chemical reaction