Logwood as I recall is from the Campeche tree. It contains Haemotoxilin a strong black organic dye that attaches naturally to iron. Thus it's use in microbiology. So yes if it's oxidized off then it leaves little black behind. I agree that the photos show great contrast. But the black oxide you have created is very unstable and will decay quickly (relative term) from the ferro ferric oxide to ferric oxide or rust. This does not happen from an appearance perspective with Haemotoxilin present because it remains carbon black in color regardless of the conversion of the oxide. I wrote this from memory so forgive me if I've mis-spoken.

Very interesting Harry. Thank you. That is good to know. I'm going back to using logwood. My eye couldn't see much difference, but I guess there is after all. I appreciate you explaining this to me. Now if you can just find an etching agent that only works on the steel and not on the iron. I guess it doesn't exist or someone would be using it by now.
But that would be the holy grail.

This is a great thread and good to see some folks picking up where Dale left off

If anyone needs a set of barrels to work, drop me a PM, I have a set in desperate need of a refinish!

Most of what follows is direct from Dale Edmons:

This is where I am stuck.

It is not Dale's, obviously, but looks pretty good from where I stand

Almost there Harry. Getting them beyond this point to a true black is what we all look to accomplish. Good luck with them. It is often hard to get them beyond this point. Dale got there and we will too.

This is Dale's work on the 10 gauge I won the Southern with in 2005. I love the way Dale's barrels came out. That said I have some Parker examples that are almost black and I want to get closer to what I can compare. I have a short list of what to try next. Do me a favor Tom and look at the outline I use in the post above the pictures. I am open to any suggestions.

Harry

Dales barrels in the picture you posted are beautiful, as are yours. I could be wrong, but I believe that the barrels when they left Parker were true black and not a dark gray. I have gotten there with a couple of barrels but I can't do it consistently and that's my problem. I can't seem to get over the hump with most barrels.

Take a look at my tutorial and see the set of Bernard that I did. I think this is what they looked like when the left the factory. I wish they all came out this way.

I don't see the outline you mentioned. Please clarify.