Before and after pics of the results after 36 hours of fuming @ 29% Ammonia concentrate (refreshed after 24 hrs).
Hard to tell from the pictures, but noticeably darker. After testing some samples, I'll be staining with "Michael's Cherry" to add some more depth and color to it.
Turns out that Amish OCS (Ohio Certified Stain) doesn't play well with black nitrile gloves.... suddenly started seeing little bits of black fingertips falling on the floor.
Full stain results on the Queen frame. Just needs a top coat.
I ended up using a kitchen sponge (not my wife's!) as an applicator, then a clean rag for second pass to remove drips and even it out. Also starting upside down was the easiest as the stain then runs into the nooks and crannies easier. I also used a small foam brush and a q-tip to work it into any tough spots.