There’s an age old method for dyeing leather black called vinegaroon. If you have a couple of weeks to brew some up basically take some steel wool, wash it with a degreaser, stuff a mason jar with it, fill with vinegar, and let it sit with the lid somewhat loose.
When the steel wool has dissolved you’re left with a cocktail that will chemically turn the wood black. Brush it on, let it dry, and sand off the top layer of wood leaving the engraved recesses black. You may need to engrave a little deeper to account for the sanding.
I skinned my outdoor kitchen with redwood fencing but antiqued and distressed the boards using this method. It looks awesome!
Here’s a quick tutorial:
And an image of my boards. Before on the left. On the right, after distressing with vinegaroon, whips, chains, screws, and belt sanding the black off some.
