Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 7 hours ago
Discovered when white oak darkened inside a horse stall, ammonia fuming has been used for a long time to change wood color...without stain.
The magic happens when ammonia gas reacts with tannins...natural compounds found in species like white oak, chestnut, and even walnut. Unlike stains and dyes that soak in unevenly especially in end grain, this is a chemical reaction. The color forms inside the wood, giving a deep, aged look that doesn’t sand off.
You can boost the effect by brushing on strong black tea first. Tea is loaded with tannins, and once it dries, the ammonia has more to grab onto.
In my “Ammonia Fuming - Make It Make Sense” video, I tested 21 wood species, both with and without tea. As expected, low-tannin woods like maple, cherry, and pine barely changed. But once treated with tea, even those reacted. The difference was jaw dropping...especially purpleheart.
That full video’s linked below if you want to see the full results, but if you plan to try this, a few safety notes: use a sealed chamber, lab-grade ammonia, and always work in a well-ventilated area. Goggles, gloves, and a face mask are a must.
This historical process isn't a finish you apply...it’s one you unlock. No pigment. No blotch. Just wood and chemistry.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
Discovered when white oak darkened inside a horse stall, ammonia fuming has been used for a long time to change wood color...without stain.
The magic happens when ammonia gas reacts with tannins...natural compounds found in species like white oak, chestnut, and even walnut. Unlike stains and dyes that soak in unevenly especially in end grain, this is a chemical reaction. The color forms inside the wood, giving a deep, aged look that doesn’t sand off.
You can boost the effect by brushing on strong black tea first. Tea is loaded with tannins, and once it dries, the ammonia has more to grab onto.
In my “Ammonia Fuming - Make It Make Sense” video, I tested 21 wood species, both with and without tea. As expected, low-tannin woods like maple, cherry, and pine barely changed. But once treated with tea, even those reacted. The difference was jaw dropping...especially purpleheart.
That full video’s linked below if you want to see the full results, but if you plan to try this, a few safety notes: use a sealed chamber, lab-grade ammonia, and always work in a well-ventilated area. Goggles, gloves, and a face mask are a must.
This historical process isn't a finish you apply...it’s one you unlock. No pigment. No blotch. Just wood and chemistry.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
