Some time back, while surfing the Internet, as I oft do, looking for 17th-century carving patterns, I happened upon a most unusual roundel. The carving was on a 16th-century Norman carved oak chest. I thought perhaps an adaptation would look great on a carved box.
Grabbing a mahogany board, I started laying things out.
In just a day or two, I had my version of the 16th-century decoration and a little something off the top of my head for the sides, ready to become a rather sizable box.
I then wondered what would happen if I exposed this mahogany to ammonia fumes. I pulled the curtains tight, closed and locked my shop door, and introduced the mahogany to the ammonia. I was clandestine due to being afraid the “woodworking police” would barge in and thwart my efforts. After all, fuming only works on white oak. Right? Well, not really. Fuming works on all wood to some degree. Tannins in the wood react with ammonia to change the color. The darker in color wood is, the more tannin it contains. The lighter in color wood is, the less tannin it contains. I increased the tannin level of my mahogany by spritzing on a concentrated solution of black tea! I boiled six tea bags in about a quart of water, reducing by approximately 50%. I wet the mahogany with the still-warm tea solution and placed it in a plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid. And waited!
Twenty-six hours later, I had the beginning of a most beautifully colored mahogany box (seen here with an initial coat of boiled linseed oil and turpentine).
Pleased with the fuming effect on the mahogany, I thought, why not continue and fume the poplar lid and bottom. WHAT? You can’t ammonia-fume poplar!
Ammonia fuming has got to be the most satisfying method of “coloring” wood on the planet. Introduce your project parts to ammonia fumes in an air-tight environment and let Mother Nature do her thing. It cannot be easier! And yes, it even worked on the poplar lid and bottom! Granted, I had to slather on a healthy amount of black tea solution to jazz up the tannins, but wow!
Thanks in advance for hitting that thumbs up!
Knowing how to use a tool is more important than the tool in and of itself. - Ron Aylor
Impressive box Ron - Never tried fuming, looks good.
Thank you, Mike. Believe it or not, this was fumed with 3% household ammonia. Just make sure your container is airtight. With household ammonia fine for at least 24 hours. Longer if you can.
Knowing how to use a tool is more important than the tool in and of itself. - Ron Aylor
Just beautiful work Ron! You truly have the patience people think I have. 😂 Seriously, I am in awe of the care and attention to detail you show in all of your work.
The early bird gets the worm but its the second mouse that gets the cheese.
Just beautiful work Ron! You truly have the patience people think I have. 😂 Seriously, I am in awe of the care and attention to detail you show in all of your work.
Thank you so much, Paul. Anything worth doing is worth giving your all.
Knowing how to use a tool is more important than the tool in and of itself. - Ron Aylor
Wow, that's beautiful! I've been wanting to make a chest from mahogany. I'll have to try that fuming on some scraps.
Thanks! If you use 3% household ammonia you can even brush it on and let it dry in the sun. It will not be as dark as fumed over time but dark nonetheless. I look forward to your effort.
Knowing how to use a tool is more important than the tool in and of itself. - Ron Aylor
