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The piece is in the tent and ready for the ammonia. This only took about 3 hours to get as dark as I needed it to get. After letting the ammonia smell dissipate, I applied a coat of garnet shellac, then finished with about 7 coats of an oil and urethane mix

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Comment by Robert Brennan on March 24, 2012 at 4:23am

William,

well that's got to be one of the most informative responses I have received, and all i need to know regarding the process.

I went and searched the internet regarding the use of ammonia to darken or ebonise wood after seeing your fine work.

I see its well covered.

From what I have seen and read its one that's  well worth the effort.

Regards

Robert Brennan

Comment by William Burton on March 23, 2012 at 9:23pm

Thanks for the kind words, Robert. This is the second piece I have used ammonia to darken. There was a good article about the process in Fine Woodworking several years ago. Apparently, the tannin in white oak reacts with the ammonia to make a permanent discoloration of the wood. I used an industrial strength ammonia (26%) but you can use a "professional strength" (about 10%) which may be available through Ace Hardware. I get the piece all sanded and ready for finishing. The main thing is to have space around everything, so the surfaces can get exposed. Ammonia fumes rise, so I put the piece up off the floor, then place a dish of ammonia in the bottom. The stuff is really nasty - I use goggles and gloves and keep my exposure to a minimum. With the high strength ammonia, it took about 3 hours in the tent to get to the color I was wanting. The "tent" was made of 2 mil plastic over a simple frame. 

Once I had fumed the piece, I applied a light coat of garnet shellac to give it a bit of a reddish tint, then put on the finish.

Hope that helps!

William

Comment by Robert Brennan on March 23, 2012 at 5:48pm

Hello William,

I am interested in the method you used with the ammonia and the general procedure.

I used iron oxide to darken some oak, and thought it was the only method possible.

The results of your work are most impressive especially the thought that went into the leg construction.

Regards

Robert Brennan

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