Q:
I like the look of fumed white oak, and the process is foolproof. Are there other woods that can be fumed?
Andy Teague, Norwalk, CT
A:
White Oak Fumes Well because of its high tannin content. Tannins are organic compounds that react to ammonia hydroxide fumes, darkening the surface. Mahogany, walnut, cherry, chestnut, redwood, and hemlock all have sufficient tannin content to fume. Keep in mind that there are no tannins in sapwood, so fuming won’t darken it. Also, tannin content varies from tree to tree, so select boards carefully—a tabletop made from several boards could have inconsistent color.
Photos: Kelly J. Dunton
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Comments
Another wood that fumes extremely well is butternut. It turns to a rich dark brown that matches well with walnut. I make Windsor chairs with walnut turnings, white oak spindles, and butternut seats. After fuming, the chairs appear to be made entirely of walnut.
I'm confused. There are six panels. Which is the walnut?
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