The ebonizing wood technique is turning wood black using iron. It was originally a furniture finishing technique, but because of encouragement from a fellow artist and my own curiosity, I’ve begun using it in my paintings.
This is different than using dyes or stains because it creates black pigment, embedding iron in the fibers of the wood, instead of sitting on the surface.
How Ebonizing Works
Ebonizing is caused by a reaction between iron oxide and the tannins in wood. Oak has a good amount of tannins and will blacken without much help. But the kind of wood I use in my artwork, basswood, doesn’t naturally possess as much tannin, and so needs chemistry to help create dark pigment.
The chemical helper I use is a small amount of tannic acid powder from “quebracho” tree bark – used for tanning hides – mixed with water. This recipe and the recipe for the iron oxide solution, #0000 steel wool dissolved in vinegar, can be found at this ebonizing wood how-to guide.
The Ebonizing Process
To prepare basswood for the ebonizing, I paint it with the quebracho solution. I consider areas where I want less pigment in the process.
The next step is the magic. After the quebracho solution dries, or is still wet, the ebonizing begins.
Ebonizing Results
There’s pigment in the brush that tones even the areas that haven’t been prepared, which provides some visual interest.
Artwork with Ebonizing
Using ebonizing in fine art necessarily causes a low-key focus (with primarily dark hues).
Low-key paintings are particularly effective at a moody effect.
How to Ebonize Wood Conclusion
Working with wood always feeds my curiosity. Ebonizing wood adds flair to painting, carving, and wood burning. Both paintings, Fire Dance and Dawn, are abstract enough for many perspectives and interpretations and the ebonizing grounds them in standing.
If you’re inspired to explore more of my website, please do! Dawn is under the Spiritual: Abstract category.
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Ebonizing wood opens new doors for expression. It gives depth and durability, is lightfast, and allows for artistic opportunities. The low-key effect is powerfully dramatic to paint with as an artist and to feel as a viewer.