I use a traditional nitric acid stain I make myself. 1 part Nitric Acid and 4 parts water. Then I add pieces of steel wool until no more will dissolve. I strain it in cheese cloth. Remember to add the acid to the water. I also always do it on a warm day outside down wind so I can avoid the deadly toxic fumes. I always make it in a Pyrex measuring cup so acid won't dissolve the dish and the heat generated does not crack the glass.
I put on the stain after waiting a day or so and let it dry for a while (usually a couple of hours). After that, I use a paint stripping gun on high heat to neutralize it. After all the stain turns colour, I wash it down with baking soda to ensure that it is completely neutralized.
Because the stain raises the grain I then lightly steel wool it before I apply the sealing coat. Cheers Niall
