turning table top black?

[Karle Woodward]

This is an import farm house table that I cut down to size and made a desk out of. The wife wants it black. I have never done black before. Since it's an import, I have no clue what wood was used.

I've heard two coats of india ink and then poly. Will that do? Thanks!

[Jim Becker]

India ink is a popular and effective way to ebonize a project without obliterating the grain or pores of the wood.

[Bob Malone]

Lee Valley sells some water based aniline water stains that are very good to work with. I have used these on coffee table tops when customers want black, but just are not sure "how black" they want the product. This stain alows me to gradually increase the depth of color to meet their desires. Mix with water and apply - to achieve a darker color apply more coats of the stain. The nice aspect of this stain is that it does not obscure the natural grain of the wood and of course water cleanup is great. The product does come in an Ebony Black color too.

Good Luck
Bob

[Karle Woodward]

For some reason I'm leaning torwards India Ink. Any advice on using it? Thanks for the replies.