Best Way To Speed Up Rusting On Steel Wool For Vinegroon

[LilRay]

I think it depends on how much oil is on the steel wool to begin with. I got some ultra cheap steel wool from the 99 Cents Only store that came in three sizes #2, #1 and #0. None of them had any detectable oil present on them and they dissolved almost completely within 1 month. After only 1 week or 2 the vinegar was already dark red/black but wasn't strong enough to do more than a charcoal grey dye so I let it sit longer.

Well my 'Roon is two weeks old today. I just took a belt out of it and it's as black as coal. Started with 0000 Steel wool. I don't know if that makes any difference though.

God Bless, Ray

[c4ck4]

Yeah I used one pad of the #0 sized wool. I just tried it today after one month and my leather came out dark rich black. I'm guessing for me at two weeks I had less iron dissolved because I started with #0 instead of #0000. I actually just posted a more complete article on my process over in another thread here. http://leatherworker...pic=14946&st=30

Have you read the other posts that talk about pre-soaking the leather in tea before the 'roon to increase the tannin levels for a stronger reaction? I haven't tried it yet but it's next on my list.

[LilRay]

Yeah I used one pad of the #0 sized wool. I just tried it today after one month and my leather came out dark rich black. I'm guessing for me at two weeks I had less iron dissolved because I started with #0 instead of #0000. I actually just posted a more complete article on my process over in another thread here. http://leatherworker...pic=14946&st=30

Have you read the other posts that talk about pre-soaking the leather in tea before the 'roon to increase the tannin levels for a stronger reaction? I haven't tried it yet but it's next on my list.

I've read the posts, but I'd hafta buy tea, I don't drink it. And my Pop's a coffee nazi. Likes to drink it and would consider that a waste.

I used two pads of 0000 wool in about 1/2 gallon of old vinegar. Both cider and white. To be honest I don't see a need in getting a stronger reaction. Getting rid of the odor faster I'd be down for though.

God Bless, Ray