Replies

1. 
   Ian.D.Gilham. | Dec 22, 2001 11:02am | #1

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   Try posting this over in the Woodworking section because if I remember correctly the same question was asked there about 4-5 months ago and it was answered.
   Ferrous Sulphate solution I think, but check.

1. 
   Sgian_Dubh | Dec 22, 2001 04:08pm | #2

   *More like 18 months ago Ian, but here is one link to an old discussion, on Ferrous Sulphate over at Knots. The major problem that I can see is that it doesn't work on fir, and the only process I can think of to get that aged look in fir is time and exposure to air and light, although aniline dyes can be mixed to give a sort of grey. Slainte, RJ.

1. 
   Bill_Hartmann | Dec 22, 2001 04:59pm | #3

   *Jeff Jewitts book "Hand Applied Finishes" has too suggestions.One if iron acetate, which you can make your self. Unravel some steel wool, wet it and let it rust for a few days. Then put it in some white vinegar. Leave it open as it produces a gas. After a couple of days filter off the liquid. On a wood with lots of tanin (oak, cherry) this turns it black. But on maple and pine (and I assume fir) it turns it gray.The other is to apply nitric acid and then heat the wood to develop the color. The neutralize it with making soda. Again he only mentions this on mapple and pine.Jeff has a forum at http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/ and also sells the dyes if you have any questions.

2. 
   l._howard | Dec 22, 2001 04:59pm | #4

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   What causes wood to turn gray in color. I have an old kitchen work table and its top, which I believe is fir, is gray. How do I duplicate that color without using a stain. I believe the table top would be described as a scrub top.