Staining my project with wire wool

[Bristol_Rob]

So I've been putting a few coats of shellac and then finishing with a hard wax paste put on with 0000 wire wool.

The finish is incredibly smooth and lovely to the touch but I'm noticing my birch ply for instance is stained a little by the process. It seems to darken the grain/pores.

Is this normal or should I be doing something that I'm missing.

I dip my wool in white spirit to help get some motion and movement with the wax. (Alfie shine hard wax)

Any thoughts?

 

[Tanglefoot20]

Hi Rob…
it maybe a reaction from the wool….I know if you use vinegar and steel wool it can turn wood to an ebony colour…
so possibly some sort of acid in the wax?

steve

 

[Bristol_Rob]

Hi Rob…
it maybe a reaction from the wool….I know if you use vinegar and steel wool it can turn wood to an ebony colour…
so possibly some sort of acid in the wax?

steve

I have considered this.
I wonder if the white spirit is pulling something out of the wire wool.

The 0000 is bought from Axminster Tools and is kept in its original packaging and has not been contaminated.

 

[Tanglefoot20]

Hi Rob…

it maybe just a chemical reaction….the wool would be fine…pardon the pun!
don’t forget the natural substances in the wood grain…
science is a wonderful thing…

 

[Bristol_Rob]

Hi Rob…

it maybe just a chemical reaction….the wool would be fine…pardon the pun!
don’t forget the natural substances in the wood grain…
science is a wonderful thing…

You might be right.
It's just a shame when you have paid for creamy Birch Ply and then it kinda darkens