neutralizing ferric nitrate

[bob hertrich]

I have put two coats of a ferric nitrate and distilled water mix on my rifle. I have blushed both coats. Should I now neutralize the stock and if so what would I use.

[tallbear]

Bob I usually neutralize but lots of folks don't.I use household ammonia.

Mitch

[G_T]

Mitch (and others),

If you use ammonia, do you get additional darkening vs, say, baking soda or doing nothing? That's for maple... I know ammonia is quite effective at darkening some woods such as cherry but I don't know about maple.

Thanks!
Gerald

[tallbear]

Gerald
I don't get any additional darkening but I do tend to get more of a reddish hue which I find a positive and a big reason why i neutralize.I make my own Nitrate of iron stain and it's only slightly acidic as I let the reaction complete so I probably have no ill effects from not neutralizing but since it's part of my process and I get the additional red I almost always neutralize.

Mitch

[G_T]

Ferric Nitrate itself is slightly acidic. So I can see some value in neutralizing. I've not worked with it (yet) but intend to at least test with it! A reddish shift is interesting.

Gerald

[rich pierce]

I built an early rifle 5 or 10 years ago stained with home brew iron saturated AQF and did not neutralize and sure enough it got almost black. I don’t mind on this rifle but I’m guessing some might. 

[smallpatch]

I use ferric nitrate all the time, and have NEVER neutralized.   
Have not had a problem with darkening or fading.

[bob hertrich]

Mitch, I used the ammonia. It made the stock a bit warmer in color. I like the look. Thanks for your input.

[tallbear]

Glad it worked out well for you Bob 

Mitch

[Marcruger]

Mitch just might know a thing or two about these here crafts.   :-)  Two thumbs up.  God Bless,   Marc

[The Stumbler]

Gerald
I don't get any additional darkening but I do tend to get more of a reddish hue which I find a positive and a big reason why i neutralize.I make my own Nitrate of iron stain and it's only slightly acidic as I let the reaction complete so I probably have no ill effects from not neutralizing but since it's part of my process and I get the additional red I almost always neutralize.

Mitch

Mitch , when you use the ammonia do you dilute the ammonia or use it straight from the container ?

Thanks Stumbler