Darkening Oak

[Alexam]

Working on another bandsaw box and have used E Oak beam to make it. However, I would like to end up with a fairly dark satin/gloss finish, between dark brown and ebony I think.

What is best to darken the oak before finishing please.

Alex

 

[marcros]

you could fume it. Or stain it. If you fume it, it will need a few days to get rid of the ammonia smell.

 

[Alexam]

you could fume it. Or stain it. If you fume it, it will need a few days to get rid of the ammonia smell.

Thanks, but no idea how to do this and it sounds more complex than I wish. What is the best stain to get a deep dark brown result?

Alex

 

[marcros]

it is quite simple- you get a small tub of ammonia, and your oak, and put the two into an enclosure together- wear appropriate protective gloves and goggles. On a small sample, I used a plastic stacking box, (making sure it is off the bottom of the tub) and a margarine container, with a piece of plywood over the top. Then you leave it for a while, and when it is dark enough take it out. I did this outside, but it was in the summer. After it has aired for a while, put some polish on and voila. The advantage is no runs etc.

Stain wise, I have used dyes but dont have a great deal of knowledge to advise you.

 

[Alexam]

Thanks for the advice. Think I will use stain, but not sure what is best.

Alex

 

[milkman]

Van **** Crystals?

Also Lime mortar stains oak,

Ferrous solution (a rusty wire wool pad left in damp in a jar) will blacken it but I think diluted will just darken it.

 

[Alexam]

Van **** Crystals?

Also Lime mortar stains oak,

Ferrous solution (a rusty wire wool pad left in damp in a jar) will blacken it but I think diluted will just darken it.

Thanks, the Van **** crystals looks good. May give that a try.

Alex