Vinegaroon dye question

[will52100]

I work overseas 28 and 28.  I filled a mason jar with distilled vinegar and some steel wool and a few rusty nails.  Put the cap on lightly so it could out gas and checked it for a couple of days then left it to go to work.  Come back a month later and it's still got a slight vinegar smell and some steel wool left.  I tested it on a piece of scrap leather and it turned it a nice charcoal black.

But, the solution is an iron grey/black.  Even after running through several paint strainers to get the solids out.  From what I've seen online it's supposed to be tea colored?  This is opaque.  Did I ruin it?

Thanks

[ChuckBurrows]

NO! you did not ruin it. The color can vary, but as long as it works to color the leather black than it works.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Although mine is usually clear when done, I've used some pretty murky-looking vinegaroon and like Chuck says, as long as it works, it's fine. It sounds like you were successful.

[will52100]

Well after straining it was pretty well non see through, but after sitting a while all the crud floated to the top and it's pretty clear now.  Guess I need to strain it a few more times or possibly skim it off the top.

Was worried for a minute.

Thanks.