chemistry experiment diy...

Can you remember back to chemistry in high school? It was a class I learned a lot in, was confused a lot in, spent time conducting experiments with a bestie and even lighting my sweater arm on fire with a Bunsen burner.

Oxidation was a term that I do recall, and felt like I put my education to good use when prepped for my DIY aged wood finish. In case you have forgotten, here is a refresher:

Oxidation is the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion. Reduction is the gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion.

When you place steel wool in a distilled vinegar solution, the vinegar removes the finish of the steel wool and rusts (aka oxidizes). There is a chemical reaction happening that actually produces heat, and a fun experiment for kids can be found here.

My solution has been sitting on the window sill getting nice and rusty for about a week. A few sites recommended at least 3 days, some recommend a month, but as long as you can see murky grey colored solution develop, you have successfully oxidized the wool. When this reacts with the wood, it creates the grey aged color.

Now that I have the bottom of the chairs uncovered, I can strip the current finish off the legs of the chairs. I did this in a well ventilated area, with protective eye wear and gloves. Brushing on a thick layer of finish stripper, I let it sit for 20 minutes before I went back to scrap and sand off the remains. Additional sanding helped remove the last of the thick warm brown stain and revealed a beautiful wood grain below.

Look at the solution bubble below! I can't wait to put it on the legs and transform the wood...

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