Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Feb 09, 2012 09:12pm | #1

   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. 

1. 
   wood_san | Feb 13, 2012 10:03am | #3

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

2. 
   Westchester | Feb 10, 2012 12:30pm | #2

   Stains

   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  ?

   SA

1. 
   wood_san | Feb 13, 2012 10:10am | #4

   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.

1. 
   Westchester | Feb 13, 2012 05:50pm | #5

   Bleach

   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 ?

   SA