Water Stains on Plank Pine Table Top

13 years ago

I stored a table with a 2 1/2" plank top on my screened porch for the last 8 months. The finish had been removed from the table top. Now I'm ready to sand and finish it, but I'm faced with some horrendous water spots. I've been using a vibrating sander with paint removing sanding grit on the top, but can't seem to sand past the water stains.

On-line has mentioned oxalic acid, also called wood bleach, to remove the stains. Not sure how to do this. Do apply it only to the stain or the complete top?

Does anyone have any recommendations or experience with a problem like this? I'd appreciate the advice.

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Comments (2)

User
13 years ago
Mix up the bleach and apply a test bit on the dark edges of the stain to see if it will work.

If it does, apply to the dark edges and when they are almost bleached out, do the entire top for a very short time to equalize the color.

Rinse, neutralize (whatever the container says to do), then let it dry and sand lightly.
bobismyuncle
13 years ago
The article linked explains the various wood bleaches.

Oxalic acid is what you use to remove stains caused by tannin reacting with iron. I"m not sure that's what you have. Common to see black spots on woods like oak that have been wet and are in contact with iron or steel.

I'd probably start with A-B bleach and see how it does, and yes, do the whole top.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.antiquerestorers.com/Articles/jeff/using_wood_bleach.htm
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