Even though it is expensive, you can duplicate its intense color at home.While applying a dark store-bought stain or dye might be simpler, true ebonizing involves a chemical reaction.The iron and tea come from fine grade steel wool and strong tea.If you want the best results, go with less grainy wood.
Step 1: A piece of steel wool needs to be cleaned.
To clean a piece of steel wool, use hot water and dish soap.Steel wool has an oil coating that needs to be removed before you can make a solution.Older or rusty wool can leave deposits in the wood, so new steel wool is best.Steel wool has better dissolving fibers than iron nails or screws.
Step 2: Remove the steel wool.
If you tear the steel wool into small pieces, it will break down faster.When you tear it, wear a pair of thick gloves.
Step 3: The steel wool and vinegar should be put in the jar.
Place the steel wool pieces in a jar.If you don't have any on hand or want to save money, you can use white vinegar.The metal container will interfere with the process if you use a glass jar.
Step 4: Allow the steel wool and vinegar to sit for a week.
It will take a week for the steel wool to break down.If the cover has a small hole, don't cover it.The gases need to escape from the dissolution process.
Step 5: The solution can be put through a coffee filter.
Attach the coffee filter to the jar with a rubber band.To strain the staining solution, pour the contents into another container.It will take several minutes, but you will need to get rid of the solution.After straining the solution, discard the leftovers.
Step 6: For a more authentic look, choose a fine grain wood.
The wood has an almost invisible grain.Go for the finest grain wood you can find.The finished product will look more authentic if it is a lighter wood and requires more coats.Oak and other grainy woods are not as good as Northern White Cedar or Hemlock.
Step 7: Before ebonizing, you need to complete routing and other work.
The wood's surface will be affected by the staining process.Treatment of the wood will likely expose it.You will have to start from scratch if you don't finish your work before ebonizing.
Step 8: Before applying a stain, raise the wood's grain.
You have to raise the grain to prepare the wood for the ebonizing process.Let the water dry.You'll see whiskers of raised wood once it's dry.
Step 9: The raised grain should be sanded.
After raising the grain, sand it away with 220-grit sandpaper.Use a light touch so you don't burnish the wood, or make the surface too smooth for the stain to absorb.Before ebonizing, raise and sand the grain twice.
Step 10: To make a reaction with iron, brew strong tea.
The tea powder should be mixed with half a liter of hot water.The tea will react with the staining solution.You can find it online.It is a great choice, but you can also use strong black tea or coffee.
Step 11: The tea should be applied to the wood.
Use gentle strokes to liberally apply a coat of tea to the wood, and allow it to soak through the surface.The application is as even as possible if you spread out the spots where tea has started to pool.The colorizing reaction won't penetrate into the wood if you leave a pool of excess tea on the surface.
Step 12: The stain should be applied with a foam or bristle brush.
The staining solution should be applied while the tea is still damp.Look at the surface from multiple angles to make sure you have covered it evenly.You should not use the same brush that you used to apply the tea.The ebonizing reaction will occur in your jars or brushes if you don't keep them separate.
Step 13: Allow the stain to dry then sand.
After applying the first coat, give the stain a few hours to dry.When it's completely dry, lightly sand it.The next coat won't absorb well if the surface is made too smooth.A light sand will make the surface receptive to the next coat, but a hard sand can cause the stain to absorb too much.
Step 14: Continue the application process until you achieve your desired color.
Wait until you've created an opaque, deep black color before applying more coats.Before applying more stain, be sure to let each coat dry and lightly sand.The number of coats depends on the color of the wood.Black walnut has more natural tannins than red oak so it requires less coats.There's some chalkiness to the fact that you've reached your desired color.A final tea rinse will get rid of it.
Step 15: Use a clean, dry rag to buff.
After applying the last coat, lightly buff the surface with a clean, dry rag.It will remove iron deposits from the wood.After buffing the surface, it will be ready for one last coat of tea.
Step 16: It's time to apply a final tea rinse.
Any chalkiness in the color will be eliminated with a final tea wash.Let the wood dry completely after brushing it with the last tea coat.
Step 17: After the tea is dry, rub it again.
After applying the final tea wash, the wood should be dry.When the surface is completely dry, buff it with a clean rag.