The tea as you apply it brings out the grain but dulls and fades as it dries. The more coats you apply brings more of the the grain out. After 6 or 7 coats you can see the effect you will get when the laquer is applied. The laquer gives you the wet stain look. I will start an off cut and photogaraph it as I go. Now to find some offcuts.
Here you go. and
I hope these are ok. I think it is the tannin. I also tried black coffee as a stain too. this gave a more universal covering with less definition of the grain. I was looking up inks for calligraphy and saw tea and coffee used so tried them out. Test pieces I have are around 3 years old with no fading at all. they have been laquered. There are higher resolution photos on photobucket. Look at fritzy30 to see them. I can email some if not.
Cheers
Prostheta, You need to make a tactical diversion just before your wife adds the milk to free the enslaved tea bag so it can fulfil its true destiny. lol
Hi, I have just finished a bass and stained it using tea. It was bit of an experiment as tea was used a long time ago. Does anyone know if it fades etc over time? I will put up photos soon. Oh it has been laquered usung automotive laquer.