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Removing Wood Stain

Removing Wood Stain (post #169767)

Wood_San on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 13:46

Finishing

Has anyone successfully removed the black stains caused by wood boring insects? I've tried all kinds of bleach, including 2-part and things like Goof-Off and Goo Gone but no luck.

I've never, fortunately, had (post #169767, reply #1 of 5)

by SteveSchoene in reply to Wood_San [original] on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 19:12

I've never, fortunately, had to deal with this problem, but have you tried oxalic acid? It's often good for black stains originating from water and iron, but insects I don't know. It's cheap (any good paint or hardward store should have it) and easy.

Test your finish on scrap, FIRST, or risk having to scrap your finish.

I have not tried oxalic acid, (post #169767, reply #3 of 5)

by Wood_San in reply to SteveSchoene [original] on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 08:03

I have not tried oxalic acid, but I will and I'll let you know how it turns out.

Stains (post #169767, reply #2 of 5)

by Westchester in reply to Wood_San [original] on Fri, 02/10/2012 - 10:30

Two part funiture bleach should do the trick. Are you using new product and one designed for furniture finishers ? Some folks call those insect holes character - maybe the back up plan is to try to incorporate this antique look ?

Yes, that's what I was (post #169767, reply #4 of 5)

by Wood_San in reply to Westchester [original] on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 08:10

Yes, that's what I was expecting having read all the advice about it. The one I tried is Circa 1850 2-part wood bleach. They give 2 options, first option is using a blend of part A and part B and the second option is to sequentially use part A and then part B. But neither approach worked. I do agree that most blemishes such as knot holes add great character but these worm holes look more like ink stains than anything else. I will try oxalic acid next and let you know.

Bleach (post #169767, reply #5 of 5)

by Westchester in reply to Wood_San [original] on Mon, 02/13/2012 - 15:50

c.1850 - well that's 19th century anyway - product should be OK. dates from your childhood I'd guess

The best way I found to bleach is to use one part at a time and put the second part on shortly after applying the first part -

The oxalic acid is a good product - worth trying - remember to wear a mask if dry crystals are in the air when sanding. Is it possible to drill and fill the insect holes with plugs from the underside ?