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ebonizing liquid question

dbouch's picture

ebonizing liquid question (post #169256)

dbouch on Mon, 10/24/2011 - 14:20
in

after reading an article online about ebonizing, i've created the liquid needed (vinegar and steel wool/nails).  it's working well.  my question is:  does this stuff have a shelf life?  can i store it over time in a lidded jar?  or does it break down and become useless after some period of time?

 

thanks for any help.

-A +A
WoodCrafter's picture

ebonizing liquid (post #169256, reply #1 of 2)

by WoodCrafter in reply to dbouch [original] on Thu, 11/10/2011 - 07:09

I'm no chemist. However I would think the acidity of the vinegar would deteriorate.

I'd say as long as your liquid rust reamains liquid it should be fine. Eaporation should only concentrate the "stuff"

Curious do you put the strained material back in the jar or just toss it?

davcefai's picture

You should be OK (post #169256, reply #2 of 2)

by davcefai in reply to dbouch [original] on Tue, 11/15/2011 - 23:22

What you have there is Ferric Acetate (iron acetate). It should be stable as long as the solution remains acidic.

If you have residual steel wool or iron I suggest you pour off the liquid into a clean glass or plastic container, otherwise the reaction (formation of ferric acetate) will continue with two consequences:

1. The solution will become stronger and may give you different results a few months down the line.

2. The acid (acetic acid) will get used up and the solution will no longer be acidic.

One last point: you refer to "a lidded jar" which, to me, implies a metal top. Don't. Acid fumes may eat it.