How To Ebonize Wood

  • January 11, 2010
  • 1,125 Views
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Learn to ebonize less expensive wood yourself so it looks like the real deal and saves you money.

You Will Need

  • Steel wool
  • 2 plastic jars
  • White vinegar
  • A coffee filter
  • A paint brush
  • Rags
  • Ammonia
How To Ebonize Wood: Place steel wool in a jar

Step 1: Place steel wool in a jar

Place a piece of steel wool with no soap on it in one of the glass jars.

Make sure you are using real steel wool, not synthetic.

How To Ebonize Wood: Pour vinegar into the jar

Step 2: Pour vinegar into the jar

Pour white vinegar into the jar, covering the steel wool completely.

Use plastic jars with plastic lids to avoid rust.

How To Ebonize Wood: Soak the steel wool

Step 3: Soak the steel wool

Place the lid tightly on the jar and let the steel wool soak for 48 hours. The steel wool will dissolve.

How To Ebonize Wood: Strain the liquid with a filter

Step 4: Strain the liquid with a filter

Strain the liquid through the coffee filter into the other jar to remove any extra steel wool debris.

How To Ebonize Wood: Brush the solution onto the wood

Step 5: Brush the solution onto the wood

Brush the solution onto the wood, wiping off any excess with the rags.

Using a darker wood will result in a darker finish. Apply multiple coats to achieve your desired shade.

How To Ebonize Wood: Brush ammonia onto the wood

Step 6: Brush ammonia onto the wood

When the wood is as dark as you want it, brush ammonia onto the wood to neutralize the solution and stop the dying process.

Did you know? The ebony tree is vital to the tourism industries in Kenya and Tanzania, where ebony wood carvings are popular with tourists.

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Comments (1)

HeatherMenicucci

Really nicely shot!

over 2 years ago by HeatherMenicucci

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