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Using Chemicals for Staining

Submitted by Nick Van

April 2005

 

Warning.  Remember that all chemicals are potentially toxic and safety measures must be taken to prevent injury.

Ebonizing

Here is a great black stain, but it must be used with an oil finish.

Mix together in a clean jar 3 1/2 oz. (100 grams) of copper sulfate, 1 3/4 oz. (50 grams) of potassium chlorate and 22 oz. (615 grams) of hot distilled water.  In another jar, mix 3 1/2 oz. (100 grams) of aniline hydrochloride, 1 2/5 oz. (40 grams) of ammonium chloride and 22 oz. (615 grams) of hot distilled water.  To use, mix equal parts of the solutions together, but don't mix any more than you think you will need for each coat.  Apply three coats with a sponge or brush, allowing 24 hours drying time in between coats.  When the third coast is dry, smooth it with fine sandpaper, using linseed oil as a lubricant. 

The first coat of this finish will look a little yellow.  The second coat will look a little green, and the third coat will look very green.  But don't get nervous, because the instant the oil touches the finish, it will turn a deep, beautiful black.  After the stain dries, finish the piece with oil - tung, linseed or penetrating oil as you choose.

Prestains and Afterstains

1.     Prestain - Tannic acid, 1 3/4 oz. (50 grams) per quart of hot distilled water.

 
     Afterstain                    Color
     Ammonia                    Golden Brown
     Ferrous Sulfate            Ivory Black
     Cobaltous Chloride       Golden Brown
     Potassium Dichromate  Cool Brown    
     Nickel Chloride             Golden Brown
 

2.  Prestain - Pyrolgallol, 1 3/4 oz. (50 grams) per quart of hot distilled water.

 
    Afterstain                        Color              
    Ammonia                         Chestnut Brown
    Ferrous Sulfate                 Greenish Black
    Cobaltous Chloride            Brown
    Copper Chloride                Dark Red Brown
    Potassium Dichromate      Dark Red Brown
                  (like Chris Craft Maroon)
    Manganous dichloride        Honey Brown
    Nickel Chloride                  Honey Brown
 

3.  Prestain - Pyrocatechol, 1 3/4 oz. (50 grams) per quart of hot distilled water.

 
    Afterstain                         Color 
    Ammonia                         Cool Brown
    Ferrous Sulfate                 Bluish Black
    Cobaltous Chloride            Greenish Brown
    Copper Chloride                Greenish Black
    Potassium Dichromate      Brown Black
 

4.  Prestain - Nitroso-B-Naphthol, 2/5 oz. (10 grams), and potassium hydroxide, 1/10 oz. (3 1/2 grams) per quart of hot distilled water.

 
    Afterstain                           Color            
    Ammonia                            Gold
    Ferrous Sulfate                    Spring Green
    Cobaltous Chloride               Indian Red
    Copper Chloride                   Burnt Orange
    Potassium Dichromate         Reddish Orange
    Manganous Dichloride          Lemon
    Nickel Chloride                    Orange

 

To mix the afterstains, dissolve 2/5 oz. (10 grams) of ferrous sulfate, cobaltous chloride, copper chloride, manganous dichloride or nickel chloride in a quart of hot distilled water.  For potassium dichromate stain, mix 7/10 oz. (20 grams) in a quart of hot distilled water.  Ammonia afterstain is simply 27% ammonia solution usually available from chemical supply houses, grocery stores or pharmacies.