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I finished an ash coffee table with Clearwater gel water soluble dyes. The dye developed significant bleaching after 3 years and so I must refinish the piece. Also, I have to flatten the top because the waterbase lacquer failed and the top has a lot of damage. Thus, there will be a huge difference in color between the top and the rest of the piece after stripping. I think I must bleach the piece in order to get a uniform color. Am I correct in my thinking? After bleaching I will start over with Behlen’s solar-lux dye then varnish.
I have oxalic acid or could get chlorine crystals. Does anyone have suggestions on this process, or a recipe of amount of bleach to use? How long should the bleach be in contact with the piece? I anticipate having to wash the bleach off (how much water? a hose?)and sand again to deal with any grain raising.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
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There are three types of bleach and each does a different thing.
Chlorine bleach (laundry bleach, Clorox) is used to remove dye stain (not pigment stains) from wood. It must be a new, freshly opened bottle.
Oxalic acid is used to remove dark water stains from wood and will also generally remove dye stains.
Two part (A B) bleach removes the color from wood.
*Chan,I've tried removing dye from maple with both house hold bleach and a two part (AB) bleach solution with marginal results. The dye just penetrated too deep and I was left with red splotches.I sharpened my card scraper and with a little work removed all traces of the dye. If you don't have luck with the bleach, I'd give this a try over sanding.Best of luck,Steve
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