Ebonizing Wood

Two ways to "ebonize" woods.

[@garciaba79]

I created my own iron acetate with vinegar, steel whool, tea bags and added chunks of red oak. Then stained red oak. It came out as dark as india ink and looks really great. It took about a dozen coats over the span of a few days. With patience you can get great results.

[@JeremyACox]

You hit on the right stuff for making a darkening agent, acid to expedite the oxidation of the steel is one of the best solutions.

[@Evan-bk5gv]

Great video! Your mixture exploded because the reaction between the rust and vinegar produces hydrogen gas, it not enough to be concerned about but if the jar is sealed it will increase the pressure enough to pop

[@JeremyACox]

This is very helpful. Thank you for unpacking this mystery.

[@_BigLife_]

Thank you for the informative video

[@thanhnhanhuynhnguyen3652]

I always wonder how other youtuber able to use iron acetat and make a real good black, to me its never uniform and purpleish, the grain dont really show. Finally someone have the same experience as i do

[@michaelw6554]

What's the difference between ebonizing and staining?

[@mattgloss8580]

Very helpful. Thank you. Does the India Ink need to be protected with clear coat and is it compatible with water borne, alcohol based and oil based products?

[@JeremyACox]

I would recommend covering the ink with a durable top coat. Any of the finishes you listed are appropriate.

[@JeremyACox]

Yes, the India Ink is not protective. It only functions as a colorant. It will be chemically compatible with any woodworking top coats, such as polyurethane, shellac, lacquer, water-based, etc.

[@JaniceBenton1]

Volume listening to low

[@JeremyACox]

Janiece, thanks for the feedback. I have recently started using a microphone to make the experience better.

[@runifuceeme406]

IS USING INDIA INK REALLY "EBONIZING"??..

[@theonewithmika]

What's the point of oxidizing it witj acetate if you're going to add ink anyway?

[@BAYSICK831]

Those two application methods were kept separate.

[@arielpantasma4964]

What do you recommend for basswood?

[@ashooby]

Will this work with Acacia?

[@JeremyACox]

I don't see why not. Practicing on a test piece is always advised.

[@Taranisify]

What Ratio are you using on the India Ink to Water?

[@JeremyACox]

Difficult one to answer due to what your desired intensity is. 1:1 is an easy place to start, but you may wish to have the color more translucent or more on the grey scale. If that's the case, you will have to experiment until you find the correct shade of black.

[@otonoliveira1286]

Very good... Have you tried black ink from an inkjet printer?

[@JeremyACox]

I have not...tell me more.

[@abundentainpermanenta]

Will it work on douglas fir?

[@JeremyACox]

It will. You are asking because of the uneven absorption issues found in coloring most coniferous woods. You may have to apply a few coats to achieve the look you're after or seal the wood with shellac or "wood conditioning" product, but it will adhere and create a consistent look.

[@bearlady5694]

You dilute the India Ink with water? What ratio do you dilute it by? What kind of finish does it need then?

[@JeremyACox]

Bearlady5, It really depends on the look you are going for...There is no degradation of adhesion of effect if diluted significantly. Continue to dilute (and test on sample boards) until you have the desired color. Because this is a water based colorant, you can use any film or penetrating finish you like. I would test any water based film finish first before you commit the the real thing.

[@jannagrigorieva7893]

​@@JeremyACox so what dilution did you use in this video with the red oak? 1:1?

[@SoulsInsanity]

Yes because I have tannic acid available and lying around. Rusty nails, vinegar and black tea for a tannin source is much more accessible to the amateur.