Replies

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Sep 30, 2001 05:43pm | #1

   *
   Jack,

   Min Wax has an Ebony oil based stain that can be brushed on or wiped on. My suggestion would be to get a small can brush the stain on working it into the experimental piece of stock. Use a medium to heavy load brush with the grain, then across, and then with the grain. Let stand for about 10-20 minutes depending on temperature and humidity and then wipe off using the above technique for brushing. After it dries you will have a good idea whether the techniques need to be modified. Brush on only, extending length of sitting time, etc.

   My suspicion is that the final look on Cherry would be closer to Madgascar Ebony (very dark brown) than Gaboon Ebony (black).

   As to the final finish (polyurethane or varnish?) the only effect would be a slight darkening of the entire piece, subsequent coats will only add depth. The look on the final finish should be consistent.

   On the other hand, if you are going for a pure black, no grain showing look, then my suggestion would spray using a black lacquer sanding between the coats including the final coat, then apply the final finish.

   Sounds like an interesting project, what is it?

   Dano

1. 
   Jack_Woody | Oct 01, 2001 02:08am | #2

   *All-right!! Good help!!The local HD doesn't carry "Ebony" along with their other Min-Wax stain colors. Maybe that's why I didn't know about it.Did a search for "Luthier supplies" and found only a 4 oz. bottle for $4.99. This project would take about a quart. 50 bucks just to do the project. Oh, and that's not counting the lobby table. That is a lot for just the stain, but it might be my only option. I wonder if the local Gibson Plant would have the stuff in a big drum and wouldn't mind parting with some? Haven't had much luck with spraying lacquer. Couldn't get it to come out of the gun at an appreciable rate, and never did find out why except maybe the inexpensive spray gun I used. The local goobers weren't much help either.The project is called a Buffet Table by the decorator who wants it to fit in a particular place and the furniture company will not make ONE piece to his dimensions. On top of that the face frame is to be black and the rest cherry stained with a brown mahogany. The rest being, end panels, that are not really panels, the doors, and the interior. On top sits a piece of black granite. All that weight sits on four spindly legs at each corner. The bottom is an arch. The span, (length), of the cabinet is 66". Took some head scratching to build an arch to hold all that weight but got it figured out without having to consult with an engineer.I'll keep looking for that can of Min-Wax Ebony. Probably will find it behind the others at an old hardware store.Thanks Dano and C.S.Jack

1. 
   Sgian_Dubh | Oct 01, 2001 06:53am | #3

   *You can also add (aniline) spirit based dyes to oil based varnish, that of course contain white/ mineral spirits. They are mostly, aniline dyes that is, are soluble in mineral/ white spirits as well as being soluble in alchohol. However, application with a spray gun seems to be best for this type of concoction, the brush tending to lead to some streakiness if the stuff is not applied just so. You might try and experiment along this line? Slainte, RJ.

1. 
   CStanford_ | Oct 03, 2001 02:47pm | #4

   *There is an ebonizing article in a back issue of FW. Seems like it was a year or so ago.....

1. 
   scott_murray | Oct 04, 2001 01:20am | #5

   *Charles,Is that the one where you put steel wool in vinegar (?) for a day or so to make an ebony dye?the rev

2. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Oct 04, 2001 02:16am | #6

   *Charles, Rev,That would be Chris Minick's article, "Shopmade stains enhance your finishing talents",i Fine WoodWorking, February 2000 (#140).Problem is hydrogyn gas is formed by mixing iron with vinegar, so take precautions when storing. FWIW.Dano

3. 
   scott_murray | Oct 04, 2001 01:18pm | #7

   *Whoa,Hindenburg action!the rev

4. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Oct 04, 2001 03:03pm | #8

   *Jack,Perhaps HD or one of the other stores that carry Min Wax products can order it for you. I am surprised that your HD doesn't have it. The ordering info is: Min Wax Wood Finish, Ebony 2718.Dano