AQ Again

[monterey]

We have previously discussed the use of AQ (Aqua Fortis) as an under-glass lam stain.  It's something I've kicked around in the head for a few years.  Soooo....  Yesterday I decided to take the plunge and use it on a bow build for my son in law.

The stuff I use is made with ferric nitrate rather than using nitric acid.  Having made AQ with nitric acid in the past, I've changed over to using the ferric nitrate crystals instead.  Just don't like messing with the acid and the process!    

Started out by selecting the lams that would get the treatment.  A no brainer with the tapers, just pick the side with the most figure.  Selected one of the 72" core lams for the back side and proceeded to spread the formula onto the lams.  Next, they were warmed over the an element on the electric stove in the kitchen.  I prefer a heat gun for this but did not have one available.  The lams browned up as expected.  Next, they were washed down with a mixture of warm water and baking soda to neutralize the acidic nature of the AQ.  Oncwe they were soaked up thoroughly, they went into the bow oven for three hours to dry out.

Biggest concern with this, at least on my part, is the effect of any possible remaining acid might have on the glue bonds.  :eek:   Fortunately the bow will be in the family and I'll be able to observe in the long term as the son in law plays the role of unknowing lab rat.    

Just pulled the tape of the final glue up and took a few pics.  Don't be looking for dramatic grain or curl!  These lams are plain old Bingham maple lams with no special character to them.  There is a bit of curl on the tip of one end and I shot a pic of that along with the more plain aspect.

They are pretty dark under the glass.  Maybe a bit darker than expected.  Not sure if I'll pursue this any further, but the idea of some fiddleback or quilted maple treated with AQ is a bit intrigueing.

 

 

[razorback]

That seems like a lot of work for plain jane wood. Some really nice figured lams should give you an effect that will make people stop and go "wow". keep working on it and post the pics.

[monterey]

No doubt prettier wood would make a big difference.  This was experimental on a project that has been in the rafters for a while.

Maybe get some pretty veneers from Kenny next time around.

[Eric Krewson]

Two things, ferric nitrate isn't acid and doesn't need to be neutralized, doesn't look like you blushed the AQ enough.

Your wood should have turned from green to brown when you blushed it. Looks like yours is halfway in between.

The wood on the left of this picture is unblushed, the right has been heated.

 

The result after several coats of finish.

 

[monterey]

Eric, I know that looks kinda green in the pic but it's actually browned out pretty good.  You do have me taking a second look at it though!  :eek:  

Like Yourself, I/ve always been pretty sure ferric nitrate is not highly acidic, but I also have seen what my home grown AQ did when I spilled a bit on some old versamid spills on my bench.  Just did not want to take any chances.

Wonder how one would go about determining where the mix falls on the PH scale.  :confused:  

Went back to the bench and took another look at the color.  Don't see any green, but must agree with you that it looks a bit green in the photo.

Thanks for your comments and pics.