There is a huge variation in the way different timbers react to ebonizing fluids - which to my mind is a product of how deeply the fluid is absorbed and the different chemical makeup of the wood cells. The ebonizing fluid reacts with tannin and turns dark, so timbers with higher levels of tannin react better.
I do not consider identifying different timbers as a skill I possess so apologies for being vague about timber types. Here are a few photos of different scraps I tested.
1) Hardwood garden peg
Looking left to right on the photograph: Test 1 (written in permanent marker) is a single brushing of the ebonizing fluid. Test 2 shows a brushing of fluid which was allowed to dry, then a single brushing of strong black tea was added (to provide tannin for a darker reaction). Test 3 was only ebonizing fluid, showing 5 coats - each pass was allowed to dry before the next was added.
2) Radiata pine
A few chips from an offcut of construction pine.
Showing end-grain and side-grain.
Test 1 was dipped into ebonizing fluid for a few seconds and allowed to dry. Test 2 was dipped in fluid, allowed to dry, then dipped in tea. Test 3 was left immersed in ebonizing fluid for one hour.
The pine samples reacted quite slowly and at first it appeared that no-reaction was taking place at all.
3) Eucalyptus
This sample shows a piece of turned eculyptus which has been fully immersed in unfiltered ebonizing fluid overnight.
You can see how the rust left in the unfiltered solution has stained the wood. This is not totally unappealing in its own way, and could be explored further by someone looking for an artistic and non-uniform stain. Other than that I was surprised at how well this blacke
4) Unknown Hardwood
Another end scrap from the lathe showing side by side the effected of the ebonizing. This timber reacted very quickly - only a single light brushing was applied before this photo was taken.
I do not consider identifying different timbers as a skill I possess so apologies for being vague about timber types. Here are a few photos of different scraps I tested.
1) Hardwood garden peg
Looking left to right on the photograph: Test 1 (written in permanent marker) is a single brushing of the ebonizing fluid. Test 2 shows a brushing of fluid which was allowed to dry, then a single brushing of strong black tea was added (to provide tannin for a darker reaction). Test 3 was only ebonizing fluid, showing 5 coats - each pass was allowed to dry before the next was added.
2) Radiata pine
A few chips from an offcut of construction pine.
Showing end-grain and side-grain.Test 1 was dipped into ebonizing fluid for a few seconds and allowed to dry. Test 2 was dipped in fluid, allowed to dry, then dipped in tea. Test 3 was left immersed in ebonizing fluid for one hour.
The pine samples reacted quite slowly and at first it appeared that no-reaction was taking place at all.
3) Eucalyptus
This sample shows a piece of turned eculyptus which has been fully immersed in unfiltered ebonizing fluid overnight.
You can see how the rust left in the unfiltered solution has stained the wood. This is not totally unappealing in its own way, and could be explored further by someone looking for an artistic and non-uniform stain. Other than that I was surprised at how well this blacke
4) Unknown Hardwood
Another end scrap from the lathe showing side by side the effected of the ebonizing. This timber reacted very quickly - only a single light brushing was applied before this photo was taken.
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