Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Jan 30, 2007 02:43am | #1

   I suspect they are water stains. Is there a finish on the table like lacquer or varnish? If so you would need to strip it first.

   Bleaching would be the next step. You can use some oxalic acid or a two part bleach.

   Oxalic acid can be purchased at any well stocked paint store. You can't just "spot" bleach it that is just the black spots. However I would bleach those areas first, rinse well and then bleach the whole top to even it out. Rerinse it well and wipe it dry

   Be careful when you sand afterwards and be SURE and wear a mask as the dust is toxic.

   Another way and much stronger is to use the two part bleach,again available at a good paint store. Read and follow the directions and be careful. It's very strong.

   The downside is that all of the color is gone and will require dyeing and or staining to bring it back to life.

   Good luck,

   Peter

    

1. 
   user-225048 | Jan 30, 2007 04:06am | #2

   Thanks for the info.  I think someone had already stripped the top so there is not any finish on it.  I will consider the bleaching; however, I hate to lose all the color that is now in the top which you said I will lose if I bleach it.  Maybe I will just try and convince my wife to keep the top as it is.  They are beautiful old wide walnut boards.

   thanks,

    

1. 
   peter28 | Jan 30, 2007 04:28pm | #3

   I always look at bleaching as a last resort especially when you have a great color on the wood. For what it's worth , call it character and leave it at that.

   Peter