It looks like my solution worked fine. After a week I tried it even though the steel wool didn't dissolve. It turned cherry quite black and quickly as well.

After another week my steel wool in another test jar melted down and the liquid turned cloudy. Its interesting to note that you don't have to wait for the steel wool to fully rust out.

Thanks for your response.

As for storing the solution, it helps if the lid is plastic. Metal will rust. I went to Woodcrafters and they sold me a small urine sample container. They said they were pretty leak proof (no pun intended). I can vouch for these containers. So when you go to your medical lab, ask for a few. They may come in handy.

Mark

Hi folks,

I am trying to make an ebonizing solution with about 3/4 cup of white vinegar and a few tablespoons of steel wool. I rinsed the wool in water with soap to get rid of oils and then added the wool to my vinegar. So far after a day, I see no color change in the solution. In fact, the vinegar is so clear I'll bet I can use it on a salad. Its been in the garage so its been cold at night.

I looked up making this solution on the web and it is mighty easy. Just wool and vinegar. Some say that one would start to see bubbles. I see nothing.

Any tips or suggestions?

Thanks

Mark