Thanks Glenmore,
Chuck the Vinegar will stay clear for about a week or 2 or until you dip a piece of test wood in it. The best way to test it is to take a piece of wood and dip it in and let it set and dry. I took one piece of wood and dipped it in the container 3 or 4 different time and it let me see what the different coats looked like after letting it set and dry. If it is Oak do not dip it in the container you are using to soak it in. Oak turns instantly a blue or purple color.
I just took a brush and slopped or painted it on and let it dry in the sun. Depending on the wood I am using at the time or how much Tannin it has in it will let me know how dark it will be. The last table I did I put 4 coats on it to make it dark. After it set for a few days it became even darker.
Angus I answered your PM but never got a reply.
You can see what I used it on in the following
Second Cedar Top Table and
Cedar Table this is the one where I give all of the details. I found it to be trial and error. I had to search back 75 days to find the first one I did.
I hope this helps.