India Ink ebonizing question

[Chay Mullin]

I'm planning on trying my hand at ebonizing the outside of a bowl using India ink. I saw in a video that I should use a thin coat of shellac as a sealer to stop the ink from bleeding through the end grain. I generally use Tried and True (Linseed Oil) as a finish, and was curious if the sealing coat of shellac would inhibit the Tried and True from penetrating the wood as it normally does.

Any tips or advice would be appreciated

 

[Clifton C]

Yes, if it works as you want it to work, sealing end grain so the India ink penetrates less, then it will probably seal against the Tried and True.
This is a great time to use one of those bowls that didn't turn out quit like you had hoped and experiment. If I ever turn that perfect bowl
I don't want a surprise when it comes to its finish...
However, if your bowl ends up black inside and out, give it a name, "Midnight Oasis" charge extra, and never admit what happened...

 

[Brian Horais]

I have used India ink to ebonize and I understand your concern about bleeding/penetrating. One technique I use to make sure the India ink does not advance beyond where my design goes is to put a turned separation line on the outer surface and then burn in and or color the line using fine-tip black permanent markers to color the area next to the burn line as well. This way the India ink is only used near the separation line and bleeding is not an issue. Here is a small vase where I used this separation technique. I did not burn the line in at the separation areas for this thermed vase but used a fine point permanent black marker. Try experimenting on some scrap blocks of wood first.

 

[Tom Hansen]

or a pyro'd burn line

 

[Tom Gall]

I always chuckle when I hear the term "ebonizing", especially when ink or paint is used. Why not call it "painting" or "coloring"? If you used red India ink what would you call it?

Maybe you can experiment with the following:
1). Use the shellac on the interior ... a little heavier on the end grain.
2). Use your T&T oil and then apply your color while it is still wet (uncured).
3). Use an airbrush. (India ink - Shading Grey - Carbon Black, etc.). Color should dry on the surface before soaking into the end grain.

 

[Bernie Hrytzak]

"ebonizing", especially when ink or paint is used. Why not call it "painting" or "coloring"? If you used red India ink what would you call it

Because they are making it look like (black) ebony. Red India ink would be (red) ebony?

 

[hockenbery]

Adding perceived value ? -

Ebonized - $$$$

Blackened with dye $$$

India ink $$

Painted black $

 

[Tom Gall]

Adding perceived value ? -

Ebonized - $$$$

Blackened with dye $$$

India ink $$

Painted black $

But it still looks the same!!!

 

[hockenbery]

But it still looks the same!!!

To you and me. You are one of those who pays attention to science and facts.

The power of perception does cause people to see different things.
This is so evident in our society.