Ebonized black cherry bowl

Really nice work.
What finish did you use?

Scott Thomas said:

Really nice work.
What finish did you use?

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Thanks, Scott! I applied a few coats of shellac on the exterior and then several light coats of T&T DO on the interior. After everything had cured, I buffed it with brown tripoli and then an empty flannel wheel to remove any residue.

Great bowl, Jaramiah. I love the gentle slope to the interior of the rim. Great contrast to the sharp edge. Good call with the tannin soak ahead of time too.

I love this bowl Jaramiah! Well done. Can you elaborate a bit on your ebonization process, or point me to any references you used?

Michael Anderson said:

Great bowl, Jaramiah. I love the gentle slope to the interior of the rim. Great contrast to the sharp edge. Good call with the tannin soak ahead of time too.

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Thanks, Michael! A little extra tannin makes a big difference 💯

Will Armstrong said:

I love this bowl Jaramiah! Well done. Can you elaborate a bit on your ebonization process, or point me to any references you used?

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Thanks a lot, Will! There a ton of tutorial articles and vids online, but this one from the WWGOA is a good place to start: https://www.wwgoa.com/video/ebonize-wood/

Key steps to getting a deep black result are starting with a tannin-rich wood, applying additional tannin to the wood via tea or some other source, and not over sanding.

One lesson I’ve learned from experience is, if you are looking to create contrast by only applying to part of an object, be sure to apply the iron oxide before you make any cuts that will define the edge of the ebonized section, as the iron oxide will bleed across edges no matter how careful the application. Applying first, then making the cut will help mitigate the bleed and keep the edges clean. You can also apply things like lacquer, sanding sealer, or CA to prevent the bleed, as well.

Oh…and wear gloves!

Great! Thanks for the link. And you answered my main question about the bleed.
Have you tried using the DO on the ebonized portion?

Will Armstrong said:

Great! Thanks for the link. And you answered my main question about the bleed.
Have you tried using the DO on the ebonized portion?

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Yes, but it’s been a while. I don’t recall any issues with the oxide leaching as long as I allowed it to completely dry before applying the DO.

Wow! Very nice! It is simple but the finish and the shape really set it apart. You definitely are a pretty good turner for just joining the Forum!

Gabriel Hoff said:

Wow! Very nice! It is simple but the finish and the shape really set it apart. You definitely are a pretty good turner for just joining the Forum!

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Thanks, Gabriel! Took my first turning class in September of 2021 and have been addicted ever since.