In a couple of weeks I will be doing my first ammonia fuming on some red oak. In this instance, I am doing it primarily for sterilization reasons (the slab being fumed is 14" thick, 4' wide and 6' long - not a good candidate for the kiln!).

I'm seeking some advice from some of our members that have 'been there, done that'.

I have ordered 32 oz of 28% - 30% ammonium hydroxide from a chemical supply house for this purpose.

I have read that in some instances red oak will turn green during ammonia fuming. Will the green color plane/sand off, or is there a way to prevent it? How bad does it look?

Also, in the same batch I'd like to fume some 3" x 5"'s, and some 5" x 8's" that I've milled to use for support (I'm planning to make a workbench from the slab), and am wondering how it's best to support the slab and smaller pieces so that the coloration is consistent. If I use 1" wide stickers will there be gaps in the finish?

Thanks.

Scott