Dark areas on maple, Can I get rid of…

Bruce_Coutant | Posted in Finishing on July 21, 2000 03:58am

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I just purchased a Muzzle loader rifle kit. The rough stock has dark spots that I assume are early stages of rot. One is small 3/8″ by 1 1/2″ but another is 3/4″ by 6″. Even if they are weak spots they shouldn’t efect the stocks pereffectnce. I don’t normaly send things normallyo I’m wondering if there is a bleaching meathod out there thmethod fix my problem.Thanks in adproblem. Thankshelp you may have.

Replies

Sgian_Dubh | Jul 21, 2000 03:17am | #1
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Sounds like mineral stains. As far as I know they should cause no significant weakness. I've never tried to hide these 'blemishes' and accept them as just part of the job. In fact, I rather like them as they add character especially if I can display them in a panel or something. Oxalic acid might be worth a try if the visual appearance bothers you, but I'm not sure how the timber will react. Sliante.

James_Dolpin | Jul 21, 2000 03:56pm | #2
*Bruce,Maple frequently has fungal stains. These are blue/gray areas that distract from appearence but are no problem. It's caused by the harvesting/drying process. Time of year (warm weather), time before drying, etc. I don't know of any desirable way to remove it. The stain generally goes deep. It really won't look bad when the stock is finished.