| Arts and Crafts Nightstand -- Authentic Fume Wood Finish |
From "Wood Works"
episode WWK-104 |
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With the nightstand's framework, tabletop and drawer all built, there are just a few finishing touches remaining for completion of the piece. To color the wood, a fume-finish technique is used. This type of finish is authentic to the arts and crafts style and is applied using the same methods that were used originally, in the 1920s. This portion of the project requires industrial-strength 26 percent aqua-ammonia solution. The vapors from the ammonia will darken the wood and help bring out the grain pattern Materials: Plastic tent made from scrap lumber and clear-plastic sheeting
26 percent aqua-ammonia solution (available from chemical suppliers)
Glass container for ammonia solution
Tung oil
Paintbrushes
Rags
Protective gloves and goggles
Copper drawer-hardware
Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working with wood-finishing chemicals and solvents. Steps: - A plastic "tent" is constructed from scrap wood and clear plastic. Place the unfinished nightstand frame inside the tent (figure A).
- Place the drawer and tabletop inside the tent as well. The tabletop may be set on blocks of scrap wood so that the vapors may circulate around all of the surfaces.
- With the nightstand inside, seal up the tent. Place a container of the 26 percent aqua-ammonia solution inside the tent (figure B), then seal up the opening. Left overnight, the ammonia vapors react with the tannic acid in the oak, giving the wood a dark, aged, silvery-brown color and helping bring out the medullary ray fleck pattern in the wood grain.
Important: The fume-finish process requires 26 percent, industrial-strength aqua-ammonia, which is available from chemical supply houses. Don't attempt to use ordinary household ammonia for this process, as ammonia at that strength will not work. - After the ammonia treatment, apply of a couple of coats of tung oil using a paintbrush, then rub the oil into the wood with clean rags (figure C).
- Hand-rubbing brings the wood to its final lustrous finish (figure D).
- Once the finish is complete and dried, the metal hardware can be attached. In this case, that consists of a hand-hammered copper drawer handle (figure E).
The silvery effect from the ammonia-fume process provides an appropriate wood tone to this classically styled arts and crafts piece and works nicely with the understated detailing. Tip: When installing the drawer into the finished table, apply a light coat of wax to the outside edges of the drawer (figure F) to help ensure that it slides smoothly in and out of the opening. Sponsored Resource
> Click here to order your tools and materials for this project from Woodcraft!
RESOURCES :
Woodworking Techniques: Best Methods for Building Furniture from Fine Woodworking
Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking magazine
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561583456
David Marks Website
David Marks, DIY's Wood Works host, is a master woodworker. For more information on cut sizes and project details, please contact him via his Website at www.djmarks.com
Beds and Bedroom Furniture: The Best of Fine Woodworking
Model: 1561581917
Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking
(1997)
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
The Complete Woodworker's Companion
Author: Roger Holmes
Publisher: Watson-Guptill
ISBN: 0823008665
The Complete Book of Wood Joinery
Author: Robert J. Decristoforo
Publisher: Sterling Publishing Co.
ISBN: 0806999500
Woodworker's Guide to Wood: Softwoods, Hardwoods, Plywoods, Composite, Veneers
Model: 080836878
Author: Rick Peters
(2000)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Advanced Woodworking
Model: 0783539126
Author: Editors of Time Life Books
1998
Time-Life Books Inc.
Website: www.timelife.com
Popular Woodworking
F & W Publications, Inc.
Website: www.popularwoodworking.com
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