Replies

1. 
   Clay | Feb 18, 2003 05:56pm | #1

   It depends on what kind of finish look you want.  Fumed oak tends to be darker and also to gray or silver slightly.  Because the fuming process acts on the tannin content in the wood it generally emphasizes the grain characteristics.  If that's what you want you will love it.  I suggest you try fuming a few pieces of scrap first.  just get some household ammonia and place it inside of a slightly inflated plastic bag with the wood scraps (use a clear bag so you can monitor the results without opening it).  The full potential effect will take a week or two to develop, but you can stop the process at any point where you like the results.  Sand the scraps first.  Some people use industrial ammonia that is vastly stronger and acts much faster.  The problem that I have with that is the hazards are just not worth it.  Patience is much cheaper than lung damage.

1. 
   badoyn | Feb 18, 2003 06:10pm | #2

   Good idea. I'll give it a whirl.

   Michael

2. 
   badoyn | Feb 19, 2003 05:46am | #3

   I'm planning to try this on a few scraps in my detached, unheated garage. Do you think the cold will make a difference? I live in Missouri.

   Thanks,

   Michael

1. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 19, 2003 06:28am | #4

   It'll just slow it down. Unless it gets cold enough to freeze. Then it slows way down. :)

2. 
   Clay | Feb 19, 2003 06:50am | #5

   Uncle Dunc is correct, you probably won't see much change till the weather warms a little.  I am in Missouri too and it's cold here right now.  It won't hurt anything though, go ahead, just be patient.  Put the ammonia in an open container inside the bag.  Since the ammonia fumes are heavier than air you can just set the scraps on the bottom of the bag.  If they were finished pieces I would reccommend a sticker of some sort so that you would avoid condensation stains.

1. 
   badoyn | Feb 19, 2003 06:25pm | #6

   Thanks. I'll watch the weather and give it a try.

   Where in Missouri?

   Michael