For anyone interested in ebonizing timber I found this little kitchen experiment to be highly satisfying.
Rather than telling half the story, here are the steps I followed.
1) The Rusty Brew
The crust on top of the fluid is just foam that has been frothed by the gases given off as the reaction takes place. This rather horrible looking concoction in the first photograph is simply a variety of rusty items (steel wool and small nails) to which I have added about a litre of plain white vinegar.
To check if its working, you can use the fluid as is after a few days, however your timber will get stained by the rust that is in suspension. Probably you don`t what to achieve a psychedelic swirly pattern on your work so some sort
of filtering is required.
Rather than telling half the story, here are the steps I followed.1) The Rusty Brew
The crust on top of the fluid is just foam that has been frothed by the gases given off as the reaction takes place. This rather horrible looking concoction in the first photograph is simply a variety of rusty items (steel wool and small nails) to which I have added about a litre of plain white vinegar.
To check if its working, you can use the fluid as is after a few days, however your timber will get stained by the rust that is in suspension. Probably you don`t what to achieve a psychedelic swirly pattern on your work so some sort
of filtering is required.
2) First filtering attempt
The coffee filter I tried did not work well, the fluid ran through it too quickly and the remaining solution was still cloudy. Photograph indicates the rust sludge it did manage to extract.
A funnel with a peice of ordinary white facial tissue twisted up inside the funel tube worked much better. Adjust how tightly you stuff the tube to get more or less filtration. Mine took about 1 hour per 100ml but as you can see in the photo the filtered product is clear and close to being colourless.
2) Second Filtering and Storage
I find that the first time I filter it this way I get a clear but still coloured solution. When I store this solution for a few days sometimes more sludge precipitates out of solution which will require a second filtration. Another thing to bear in mind is the sludge is very fine and will settle on the bottom of the container, so storing the solution in tall jars or bottles can make for a lot less filtering effort if you handle it carefully.
3) Handling Hazards
The finished product - clean and clear and ready for use. Be careful with handling as it will stain some materials and some woods react very quickly. You might not be too popular around the home if you drip the fluid on the kitchen chopping board for example. Store the fluid safely and out of reach of the kids, the same as any other
chemical.
The coffee filter I tried did not work well, the fluid ran through it too quickly and the remaining solution was still cloudy. Photograph indicates the rust sludge it did manage to extract.
A funnel with a peice of ordinary white facial tissue twisted up inside the funel tube worked much better. Adjust how tightly you stuff the tube to get more or less filtration. Mine took about 1 hour per 100ml but as you can see in the photo the filtered product is clear and close to being colourless.
2) Second Filtering and Storage
I find that the first time I filter it this way I get a clear but still coloured solution. When I store this solution for a few days sometimes more sludge precipitates out of solution which will require a second filtration. Another thing to bear in mind is the sludge is very fine and will settle on the bottom of the container, so storing the solution in tall jars or bottles can make for a lot less filtering effort if you handle it carefully.
3) Handling Hazards
The finished product - clean and clear and ready for use. Be careful with handling as it will stain some materials and some woods react very quickly. You might not be too popular around the home if you drip the fluid on the kitchen chopping board for example. Store the fluid safely and out of reach of the kids, the same as any other
chemical.
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