what to use for ebonizing?

Re: what to use for ebonizing?

Ron in Drums PA

>I'd try the same solution on a scrap piece first.

I mix steel wool with vinegar. I've also used india ink.

Re: what to use for ebonizing?

Danny Wells

>It was recommended to me here some time ago to use Fiebings leather dye. I used it on a maple rocker for my wife. It worked great, and it surprisingly does not take that much. Based on the amount needed to accoomplish the goal, it is relatively inexpensive.

Re: what to use for ebonizing?

Barry Irby

>You could use black aniline dye.

Whatever you use, try it on something you don't care that much about first. If you are only coating the inside, I wonder if it will bleed through where the bowl or vessel is thin or where there is end grain. Could be interesting or ugly, depending on your taste and the results.

Barry Irby

Re: what to use for ebonizing?

MikeinCapeMay

>Ebonizing is not as you know a deep, jet black, it reveals grain and is not an absolute solid black. Black leather dye such as that sold by Tandy works, as does aniline dye. Test on scrap.

Re: what to use for ebonizing?

DWFII

>I tried the vinegar and iron on the black locust and it made it sort of a greenish brown...definately not black.

I have leather dyes. I have a very intense black aniline leather dye but I was wondering if there was a procedure or a substance that was...er...more "natural?" Less toxic? Especially for items that might be used in food related circumstances?

DW

Re: what to use for ebonizing?

Ed Heuslein

>DW: I had the same problem with Bradford Pear. The solution is to add more tanin. You can do that with tea. My wife made up a pot of very strong tea. When I added it to the pear which already had several coats of the vinegar/steel solution, it turned almost black. Actually, dark charcoal is the best I've gotten. Try it, you'll like it. Ed

Re: what to use for ebonizing?

DWFII

>Thank you, Ed. That's a good idea. I'll give it a try.

DW

Re: what to use for ebonizing?

Barry Irby

>Ed, What do you mean "When I added it to the pear which already had several coats of the vinegar/steel solution,"? Did you "paint" strong tea on to the pear wood piece, dip it or what? Did you have to put more ebonizing solution on or did it react with the previous coats. How dry were they? Wonder what would happen on a really white wood like maple? TIA

Barry Irby