I’m attempting to create a taple top out of a beautiful maple cookie taken from the backyard. I’ve thinned it out enough to begin finishing, however I have a large area of black (tannins ?) that I’d like to remove or lighten at the very least. I’ve tried bleaching with oxalic acid with no success. Any suggestions as to what to try next?
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It could also be fungus, then the best cleaner is bleach (the opposite of acid).
Not a lot of tannins in Maple, looks like mineral staining to me... kind of like a high-water line. Assuming you've already tried to sand through it, I think you're probably stuck with it.
I would tend to agree with MJ, it looks like mineral materials have moved up through the older wood.
I have a really nice piece of cherry 14" wide that shows mostly mineralization, its been on the rack for 20 years as it is twisted. I could not bring myself to throw it away, so last week I started cutting pieces off for cutting boards. The wife thinks its beautiful wood, but it looks nothing like cherry.
Oxalic acid is my go-to to remove staining. It's worth a try.
Have tried the oxalic acid, diluted and as a paste scrubbed into the wood. Not much has changed.
You could also try 2 part wood bleach which can be found online and possibly at a local paint shop. I'm not sure if the big box stores carry it. Be careful though as the components are pretty nasty (sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide typically). It may lighten the surrounding wood as well so apply it carefully.
I wanted to check myself on the contents of 2 part bleach and in looking around a Company named Daly's makes the bleach and also something they call Booster for removing water stains. You want to contact them directly and see if they can recommend a product.
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