Black Stain on American Oak

[Hilltop Woods]

Hi all, this afternoon in the workshop, I experimented with staining and veneered American Oak for the first time. I used one coat of Whittle Waxes Evolution Colours - Sable Black (https://www.whittlewaxes.com.au/products/evolution-colours-sable-black) as I got as I got free sample. I'll apply another in the morning.

After doing this, I'm inspired to make an American Oak coffee table with a matte black stain. I'm eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions for finishing! Has anyone here worked with a black stain on Oak before? Any tips or insights would be greatly appreciated!

534824

[orraloon]

Not used black stain on oak but I have used the vinegar and steel wool ebonizing method. Oak being high in tannins is a very good timber to do this with. Tea can add a bit more tannin for a blacker look. I did a few test pieces on offcuts first. Have to say I was quite pleased with the effect. I have kind of always had mixed outcomes with coloured stains but this is more a chemical reaction so comes out more even. You then follow up with a clear coat of your choice. There are plenty how toos on line.
Been a while. (https://www.woodworkforums.com/f11/been-a-while-257735)
Regards
John

[Hilltop Woods]

Not used black stain on oak but I have used the vinegar and steel wool ebonizing method. Oak being high in tannins is a very good timber to do this with. Tea can add a bit more tannin for a blacker look. I did a few test pieces on offcuts first. Have to say I was quite pleased with the effect. I have kind of always had mixed outcomes with coloured stains but this is more a chemical reaction so comes out more even. You then follow up with a clear coat of your choice. There are plenty how toos on line.
Been a while. (https://www.woodworkforums.com/f11/been-a-while-257735)
Regards
John

Thanks for the suggestion John. The vinegar and steel wool method sounds interesting! I'll try it out over the next few days :)

[orraloon]

It takes about a week to brew the vinegar/ steel wool mixture. Use a glass jar with a lid but leave the lid loose while it brews to let out the gas buildup. I guess if you want really black then go the stain but I was after black but with plenty grain showing. I first applied strong tea (6 teabags to a cup) to add more tannin before the vinegar mix. I made about 0.5 ltr but a little goes a long way. Dont know how long it lasts in the jar for future use but its cheap and easy to make.


Ebonizing Wood with home made Iron Acetate and Bark Tannin - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWLgM-oMxL4)

Regards
John

[Hilltop Woods]

It takes about a week to brew the vinegar/ steel wool mixture. Use a glass jar with a lid but leave the lid loose while it brews to let out the gas buildup. I guess if you want really black then go the stain but I was after black but with plenty grain showing. I first applied strong tea (6 teabags to a cup) to add more tannin before the vinegar mix. I made about 0.5 ltr but a little goes a long way. Dont know how long it lasts in the jar for future use but its cheap and easy to make.


Ebonizing Wood with home made Iron Acetate and Bark Tannin - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWLgM-oMxL4)

Regards
John

Thanks John. Much appreciated. I'll give this a go and post a few photos up...

[EagerBeaver71]

Bit late to the party but, you could try Feast Watson Prooftints. The Dye stain is very potent and will send Oak black with one coat.