Replies

1. 
   Lilshaver | Nov 02, 2002 05:53am | #1

   There is a two part solution you can get, probably at any full service paint outlet. The active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, I believe. The stuff comes with full instructions. It will take all the color out if you want it to. Be careful with your finishes.....I once bleached ash because I wanted a bone white look. When the lacquer went on the color went yellow. We had to use some pickling stain to retain the white.

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Nov 02, 2002 06:46pm | #2

   Chlorine bleach (Clorox) is used to remove dye stain from wood.

   Oxalic Acid is used to remove water or black stains from wood.

   A-B Bleach is used to remove natural wood color from wood.

1. 
   Divad | Nov 03, 2002 02:38am | #4

   Where does one get Clorox these days.  It was a 5% solution of hypochlorite. Now all I can find is "Ultra" bleach which is not the same thing.

   Thanks

   _DAVID R. WARNER, JR

1. 
   bobhallsr | Nov 04, 2002 03:40am | #5

   David, look at the cheaper house brands and check the fine print. As you say, 5% sodium hypochlorate is the standard household bleach strength. I've got a jug here labeled "Ultra Pure Power Bleach" but the fine print says hypochlorate.

   Phill, caustic soda and hypochlorate are NOT the same thing. Please do not mix hypochlorate bleach with any other cleaning materials. Hypochlorate bleach will produce chlorine gas when mixed with some other cleaning chemicals. Drano is lye with a bit of some other stuff mixed in.

   Sheesh. And I remember my science class kids demanding, "Mr. Hall, how is learning this science stuff ever going to do me any good.":-)

   BJ

   Gardening, cooking and woodworking in Southern Maryland

   Edited 11/3/2002 7:55:15 PM ET by Bee Jay

3. 
   Phil_Twiss | Nov 02, 2002 07:40pm | #3

   For bleaching colour out of wood the basic ingredients are:

   Caustic Soda: Sodium hypachlorite I think (basically drano)

   Hydrogen peroxide:  (high strength, chemist stuff for bleaching hair is no good)

   These work in concert with each other, caustic on first followed straight after with peroxide, the combined reaction is more powerful than either on their own.

   Make sure you give each application a good soak so the wood is thoroughly wet.  The more times you do this the lighter the wood will get.  I have taken to drying the wood between apps it seems to work better.  It is good practice to wash down with vinegar afterwards to neutralize any nastys left over.  Oh, and use distilled water if you want to keep things reasonably predictable.

   I have bleached very rich red Jarrah down to a straw colour quite quickly.

   These chemicals are nasty little suckers so take care, I got a hole in my glove and thoroughly bleached a finger and softened the nail, I would hate to think what it would do to eyes.

   Cheers

   Phil

   BTW Oxalic is excellent to remove iron stain and freshen up tired wood (Oak especially), but don't breath the dust I have gotten careless before and run choking from the workshop.