Timber Finishes - Tea Stain

Hi Guys,

Just reading "the Bible" and "discovered a recipe for a tea stain which "emulating the golden hue that antique furniture gets with age". This sounds exactly want I want to finish the leaf of a table extension (the rest is in kauri pine).

The recipe is 5 lites wate, 5 kg tea leaves and 1 teaspoon caustic soda. Can anyone tell me what the caustic soda does? I do not want to make this large qty, probably a fifth, so the amount of caustic soda would be minimal - is it required, is there a substitute?

I have included a link of the table so far. I have finished the legs with Hard Shellac and are very happy with the result. At this point in time I have not finished the table top - yet to fasten to frame. This is causing so confussion as I have been advised the "button" method is best due to timber movement, however I am not sure how to get around the sliding frame?

All advise greatly appreciated.

Marls
[IMG]http://img65.photobucket.com/albums/v197/mmcbain/Table%20In%
20Progress/Table_Extension0006.jpg[/IMG]
http://img65.photobucket.com/albums/...ension0011.jpg

http://img65.photobucket.com/albums/...ension0006.jpg

http://img65.photobucket.com/albums/...ension0004.jpg

Generally I have found it best to leave recipe's alone unless you really know what you are doing. Tannins are rather acidic and so the Caustic soda is probably there to help solubilise them and netralise the acid. Substitutes could be Potassium hydroxide, not readily available or maybe Sodium carbonate (washing soda). However I doubt that the second would work as carbonates are funny things and not that many carbonates are actually soluble ie the washing soda may dissolve but the tannins would precipitate. Bleach is also extremely alkaline, but I would think that counterproductive.

Marls,

The caustic assists with leaching of the tannins (colour) out of the leaves.
Head into your local supermarket, and pick up a small container (500g). Will only cost a few dollars. You will find it with the drain cleaners.

Please read the safety directions before using ...

I haven't seen the table. -In person
I haven't seen the recipe.

But i agree with the others, you've obviously invested a fair bit of money so far, timber hardware time etc. A little container of caustic soda ain't gonna break ya, (i hope).

If this is the finish your'e after follow the recipe to the letter, you can tip the extra caustic soda down the drain and givem a good clean out anyhow.