Ebonizing Chair Parts

Here’s a bit of a long ramble on how I ebonize my chair parts. I apologize for the lack of polish. I mostly make these quick videos to function as notes for my future self. I tend to forget an astounding amount of my processes between projects. I’ve always been terrible at taking any sort of systematic written notes, so these help fill the gaps.

A lot of this info was originally gleaned from a Brian Boggs article in Pop Wood and conversations with Don Nalezyty. As usual, I make tweaks along the way to fit my specific needs.

Oh, and I don’t think I addressed it in the videos, but obviously I’m doing this process before assembly. That may or may not make sense for others’ projects. Chairs are a total pain to finish and I go to great lengths to make it as easy as possible. Ebonizing aside, I had already figured out ways to assemble post and rung projects with no glue squeeze out or dents and dings. So for these ebonizied pieces, I don’t have any touch up finishing to do after assembly.

And here’s how I make the iron acetate solution. This video was from last summer and the only thing I’ve changed is the amount of steel wool in the mix. I use a full pad for about 10-12 oz of 30% vinegar.

And lastly, I’ve been using this wine making tannin powder to make up my tannin solution. There was a good reason for this which I can’t remember now. I just know Don suggested it and he knows his stuff. I use about one heaping tablespoon in 10-12 oz warm water.

Currently listening to: Cory Hansen - Western Cum