The first picture shows what you’re looking for.

One of the women where I work asked me to make her an oak recipe box for a gift for her daughter’s wedding. After building it, I wanted a finish that would accentuate the look of the quartersawn white oak. Most everything I had tried previously had been rather disappointing.

I had often wondered if a direct application of strong ammonia would be a "quick and easy" way to obtain a fumed oak look. I found some in the janitor’s closet (imagine that!) and applied it in just the same manner as you did. It works great!!! After 6 coats of Amber shellac it looks beautiful and my friend was so pleased that she kept that one and asked for another made of walnut and maple.

The only real inconvience to this method is directly related to using ammonia. The use of a face shield and rubber gloves and providing adequate air circulation is absolutely necessary.

I’m pleased that someone else has "discovered" and applied this finishing method.

Bob

I know your frustration with trying to give the lime vapored look to quarter-sawn wood that has been eagerly sought and dearly paid for. When I was putting in a wood burning stove, I used paver tiles to give a safety zone around the stove on the floor. To edge the paver tiles I had just enough 3/4 X 4 oak to trim it with plugs to cover the attaching screws. When I grouted the pavers I accidently got grout on the the oak. It gave a very nice darkening of the grain, so I ended up doing all the trim that way. I believe the "traditional" way to give the patina we’re looking for was the bake the wood at low temperature with lime. The fumes would darken the grain much the same way a wet nail will blacken oak. Thank you so much for all your articles. Mark