I made 8 brackets out of soft maple 8″ on the right angle sides with a reverse curve on the 45 degree (hypotemuse (sp?)) side and out of 8/4 stock. The problem I have encountered is that there are several dark grey to black streaks running through the center of the wood that are not obvious from the face sides. Of course the curvature involves both end and edge grains and thus the streaks show.
I did not think that they would pose a major problem but after two coats of 3-2-1 (thinner, varnish and oil) the sides looked great but the curve had some dirty look areas. So I sanded the curve sides and applied two coats, seperated with a solution of 2 parts water to one part vinegar, of Parks 2 part bleacher. After sanding to 220 the streaks have lightened cosiderably but the bare wood still has a greyish dirty look in places. The brackets will be very visable so I want them to look good.
I dont know how to go about solving this and am reluctant to remake them without exhausting alternatives. Would wax free shellac as base coat help? Have never used dyes but would be willing to try if reasonable likleyhood of success. I have made more than I need so can experiment. Other ideas?
Replies
My guess is that this coloration is simply part of the wood. I've seen this occur particularly strongly where there was a piece of metal (like a nail or fence wire) embeded somewhere in the tree -- the metal oxidizes and leaches into the surrounding wood and up the trunk with the flow of water/sap. Otherwise, it's probably just the grain structure of the wood. I've never had much success with bleach, etc. It just ends up making the "good" sections look worse without really correcting the problem.
Using shellac will seal the wood, and perhaps minimize the effects of the wiping varnish on the grain/stain, but you'd want to treat the whole piece, otherwise the treated sections would not match. You might wanna try it, but I'm guessing you won't like how it looks.
I think that, if you don't like the way it looks, you're gonna have to make new ones out of new, clear stock. Chalk it up to "Experience". ;-)
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
It is unlikely that you will be able to remove them if they go all the way through the wood. Most likely they are mold.
The only thing that MIGHT have an affect would be to use a 2 part A/B wood bleach. A/B bleach is used to remove the natural wood color leaving a white look to the wood. You can generally find it at real paint stores. Follow the direction on the label.
Howard, thank you. I did use the type of product you refer to as I mentioned in my post.
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