How to Bleach Wood Furniture

Bleaching will not turn walnut into pine, but it will lighten almost any wood a notch, and it will help minimize stains from old paint and varnish.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Liquid Bleach
• Latex Gloves
• Buckets
• 1 Inexpensive Brushes

1. Mix equal proportions of household bleach and warm water.

2. Apply from top to bottom of the piece of furniture using a paintbrush.

3. Repeat several times, turning the piece around and upside down. Turn for two reasons: so that the sun doesn't always hit the piece in the same spot as you're working, and so that the bleach solution doesn't always run in the same direction or collect in the same spot.

4. Rinse with plain water.

5. Allow to dry thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick a nice day and do this outside. It's a fun project, but it's guaranteed to be wet and splashy - plus, the sun strengthens the action of the bleach.
• Bleach won't work on a finished surface. Strip or sand first.
• Household bleach is less caustic than the more powerful oxalic bleach, but at this strength, it will eat holes in your clothes and sting your skin. Wear old clothes and shoes and latex gloves. If you've got long hair, tie it back.

on 11/22/2005 If you are going to be working with bleach or any other chemical, protect your eyes! Wear goggles. Yes, they're ugly, but if you don't use them, there is a good chance you won't be able to tell how you look later on.

on 11/22/2005 Go to a restaurant supply and get vinyl food handler's gloves - about $6 per hundred. They don't fall apart with oil stain. Easier and cheaper than washup.