Whiskey Barrel - Restoration

Dave_D_Rave · 19-04-2025 10:15AM #1

Hi Guys,

I have completed a few whiskey barrel restoration projects which I am fairly happy with to date.

I am looking to replicate the finish below which I have tried a few cominations of varnish and different levels of sanding finish to no avail.

I am thinking that there is a stain put on before the varnish to get that dark blackish colour.

Has anybody achieved such a finish before would be keen to here even ideas at this stage after a few failed attempts.

Seems to be the painting finshishinh that allways catches me out :-)

any help appreciated.

blackbox · 19-04-2025 10:27AM

Try charging the oak with a blowtorch before varnishing.

10-10-20 · 19-04-2025 11:27AM

Lookup "Shou Sugi Ban" or "Yakisugi".

Dave_D_Rave · 19-04-2025 09:26PM

Thanks for the reply lads I am familiar with Shou Sugi Ban, I though the above was going to be more from a stained finish.

I will give the Shou Sugi Bana go see how I get on

tabby aspreme · 19-04-2025 10:11PM

If you want to blacken oak, add some rusty nails into a jar of white vinegar and leave to soak for a week, remove the nails and brush on the remaining vinegar on the oak, it will turn black in a few hours

dathi · 19-04-2025 10:41PM

if you look closely at the picture you posted you will see the black bands correspond to where the original metal bands were on the barrel its a chemical reaction between the iron and the tannic acids in the oak you can replicate it with the above method of vinegar and nails or steel wool and vinegar

jesuisjuste · 19-04-2025 10:55PM

Each barrel stave is crescent shaped with the inside being stained black by charcoal from charring/burning the wood. The outside is stained black from a whiskey fungus (Baudoinia compniacensis) that grows in the presence of alcohol vapours. This can be seen in the vicinity of rick houses, warehouses around distilleries.

The inside of the barrel staves can be similarly stained by the charring of the oak with fire. One thing to note is that the barrel staves are dried for 12-18 months before they char, therefore charring afterwards may be a little bit trickier, if they are wet in particular with any alcohol.

The outside would be far more difficult to replicate exactly.

The best solution is to source an older used barrel which was charred before aging. American bourbon barrels or Jack Daniels would be best for this, but reused bourbon barrels can be sourced in Ireland as they are used for aging some whiskeys. The older it is, the blacker the outside will be.

Dave_D_Rave · 20-04-2025 10:31AM

Much appreciated lads bit of food for thought there.

The barrels I have a are whiskey ones two I have laying around well dried at this stage and charred on the inside.

Have the steel wool soaking in vinegar here for next weekend :-)

Will try both approachs and report back

Mr321 · 21-04-2025 01:25PM

Defiantly the wood burn effect with a blow torch them linseed oil x 2. Then a clear varnish

Whiskey Barrel - Restoration

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