TABLE REFINISHING AND EBONIZING circa 1890

This oak table, dating from the 1890s, had received heavy use in the kitchen and dining areas. It had previously been ebonized, though this appears to have been done through tinted varnish (as opposed to dyes, stains, or the old "nail-in-vinegar" ebonizing wash). The previous finish was a very deep cherry color, almost black. As you can see, the original varnish was chipping off, exposing lighter wood below.

The table possessed a beautiful graining pattern. Rather than ebonizing the table through pigmented lacquer or varnish, the table was truly ebonized through dyes, and finished with Heirloom varnish in a semi-gloss. The table is now used less frequently, and not as likely to be exposed to glasses or plates.
 

This table, as well as a fireplace, was recently featured in PaintPro magazine (the Jan/Feb 2005 issue). In that issue, Ms. Campbell, explains a wide variety of techniques for ebonizing furniture and architectural ornament.