How to Remove Dark Stains From Wood
Wood is used to create a variety of items including furniture, paneling, floors, toys and homes. Dark spots on wood could be the cause of a number of things. Grease, oil, age and water can all cause your wood to become discolored or develop dark spots of discolored rings. Fortunately, there are a few methods that can remove those dark spots and restore your wood. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dry cleaning spot remover
- Stiff scrub brush
- Oxalic acid
- Distilled water
- Microwave safe jar
- Paint brush
- Borax
- Cloth
- Sand paper
- Stain
Instructions
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Dry Cleaning Solution Method
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1
Apply a dry cleaning spot remover that contains tetrachloride directly to the dark spots.
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2
Scrub the dry cleaning solution into the wood using a stiff brush.
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3
Continue scrubbing and apply the solution until the dark oil or grease spots are gone.
Wood Bleach (Oxalic Acid) Method
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4
Add equal parts oxalic acid--also known as wood bleach--and distilled water into microwave safe jar.
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5
Microwave the jar on high for 30 second intervals until the bleach-water mixture is warm. You must keep the mixture warm during the bleaching process.
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6
Submerge a paint brush in the bleach-water mixture. Apply the mixture directly to the dark spots.
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7
Allow the mixture to dry on the wood thoroughly. Repeat the process until the dark spots are no longer visible.
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8
Create a solution of 3 oz. of borax to 1 gallon of water. Saturate a cloth in the solution. Wipe the wood down with the cloth to neutralize the bleach.
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9
Rinse the area with a clean cloth saturated in cool water. Allow the wood to air dry.
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10
Sand the wood. Oxalic acid may cause the grain of the wood to rise. Sand the raised area down and stain to match the surrounding wood.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Work in a well ventilated area when using wood bleach.
Wear gloves when working with wood bleach to prevent skin irritation.
References
- Photo Credit wood image by Amjad Shihab from Fotolia.com
