Whitening wood

[Gene Howe]

Ran across this topic earlier but it was posted in 2001. Thought it wise to re new the topic with new info.

I've had good success in lightening wood using oxalic acid. I use this mixture. 

 Dissolve 12 ounces of oxalic acid in 1 gallon of hot water. For smaller quantities, dissolve 3 ounces of oxalic acid in 32 ounces of hot water. Stir well. 

 

[FrankEV]

I have done a few pieces where I needed an area to be extreamly brighter/whiter than the wood color itself (e.g.; a moon).  Thee are a number of wood bleach products on the market but I have found good old Clorox full strength does the job for me.  With repeated coverage and given time to work, almost all of the natural wood colors of light woods like Maple and even BB will just about disappear.   After bleaching, it is important to rince of the bleached area with water, let dry well, sand appropriately, and then finish with a application of a good protective coating llike lacquer or poly.  Just a FYI.     

[BadBob]

Chlorine bleach works. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area. I would not do it indoors.

[Gene Howe]

In my experience,  regular household bleach isn't nearly as effective as oxalic acid.

[OCtoolguy]

16 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

In my experience,  regular household bleach isn't nearly as effective as oxalic acid.

Where do you buy oxalic acid? I was watching some refinishing videos recently and the guy was using it. He also wiped down his project with naptha to see what it would look like with a finish.

[Sycamore67]

I find Aspen white enough for any Intarsia that I have done.  I do not like using bleach or other chemicals.

[Gene Howe]

10 hours ago, OCtoolguy said:

Where do you buy oxalic acid? I was watching some refinishing videos recently and the guy was using it. He also wiped down his project with naptha to see what it would look like with a finish.

I get it at Ace and/or a local mom and pop hardware store. Both Amazon and Walmart sell it, also. 

[OCtoolguy]

3 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

I get it at Ace and/or a local mom and pop hardware store. Both Amazon and Walmart sell it, also. 

I can only hope it's available where I live. 

[Gene Howe]

9 minutes ago, OCtoolguy said:

I can only hope it's available where I live. 

I'm sure Amazon would ship to you, right?

[OCtoolguy]

2 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

I'm sure Amazon would ship to you, right?

If it's restricted then NO. Not sure if that particular thing is restricted but mineral spirits is. 

[OCtoolguy]

Oxalic acid

https://www.ams.usda.gov › sites › files › media

 

 

Apr 26, 2019 — As of the writing of this proposal, oxalic acid is currently registered for use in beehives by the EPA in all but one state, California.

[Gene Howe]

You can find oxalic acid in HB at Home Depots on Magnolia and, on Warner. Also, at Crown Ace on Adams Ave.

[OCtoolguy]

7 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

You can find oxalic acid in HB at Home Depots on Magnolia and, on Warner. Also, at Crown Ace on Adams Ave.

I'll have to check on them. I'll just be sure not to mention the beehives though.

[Gene Howe]

1 hour ago, OCtoolguy said:

I'll have to check on them. I'll just be sure not to mention the beehives though.

And, don't call the clerk honey.