Ebonising wood finish

Experiment.

The classic iron acetate formulation is a good start. Take a glass screw-top jar from the kitchen, and punch a couple of holes in the lid.

Throw in some steel wool, ripped into small pieces. Press it down a little, so there's an inch or so in the jar. Drop a couple of clean steel (or iron is even better) screws or washers on top, to weight it down.

Pour in kitchen white vinegar until the wire wool is completely covered. Then pour in another 1/2"

Put the lid on and set it away somewhere warm to be ignored for a week or two. The solution should now be black, hopefully without any visible red or brown (caused by the steel being exposed to the air).

Take the steel wool out and discard it. Add another 1/2" of vinegar. Leave another day or so.

You're now ready to use your ebonising solution. Works best on tannin-rich woods like oak, but it can also work well even on softwoods. Just wipe it on and leave for an hour or two (or overnight, if it's cold). Wash the wood afterwards, to wash the vinegar acid off.

Keeps for 3 months, or until you notice any rusty brown colour in it.

-- Die Gotterspammerung - Junkmail of the Gods