Ebonized Oak

Experiment

Heritage

Reinvention

Research

Traditional

Using a simple process of placing rusty nails submerged in vinegar for a week, a solution called iron acetate is produced. When applied to different wood species it reacts with the natural tannins in the wood to create a stain – in this case turning oak a deep charcoal black colour.

Material

Wood
Other

Craft

Wood-working
Other

General Technique

Surface modifying

Specific Technique

Changing the surface appearance of wood using homemade wood stain


Properties & Qualities

Application

Architecture Art Furniture Sample making Sculpture

Qualities

2D

Colour

Black

Sample Information

Date of Creation

March 25th, 2023

Dimensions

220m x 145mm x 2mm

Culture & Context

Using Ferric Acetate (Iron Acetate) for ebonizing wood has a long history, probably dating back to before the Early Modern Period. In the 19th century, ebonizing became popular as ebony was no longer nearly plentiful enough to feed the demand for the new mass-market furniture.

Process & Production

Iron Acetate dye can be made at home using only vinegar and wire wool or old iron nails.The wood stain produced will react with the tannic acid in the wood giving different colour tonalities based on the species selected and tannic levels in the wood.The stain can be applied directly to the wood surface using a cloth, sponge or brush and will have an almost immediate effect at changing the colour. Wood should be left to dry before applying a finish such as Danish Oil.

Recipe Details

Wood stain recipe:White Spirit Vinegar 500mlRusty iron nails or wire wool Place the contents in a jar and leave to brew for up to two weeks, releasing the air from the jar from time to time to release the build-up of gas. The stain produced is known as Iron Acetate

Credits

Craft Maker

Tom Dalton

Photographer

Tom Dalton