Replies

1. 
   YesMaam27577 | Sep 22, 2003 03:22am | #1

   If the piece is natural ash (no stain in the finishing process) then you can use Oxalic acid. Sometimes you can find it in a home center, sometimes in a good drugstore.

   Mix the crystals with water until no more crystals will desolve. Use a dropper of some sort to get the acid on the stains. Let is dry completely. It should lift the stain, and will leave some salt-like crystals behind. Clean these off, and refinish the spots.

   If stain was used in the finishing process, you could still use the oxalic acid, but you'll need to match and blend the stain when you refinish.

   Vast projects should not be founded on half vast ideas.
2. 
   goldhiller | Sep 22, 2003 04:23am | #2

   Would these four spots correspond with the four ferrous metal feet of some item left sitting on top of the chest?

   If so, the oxalic acid suggested stands a fair chance of removing them.

   If not, you may have to resort to attempts using 2-step hydrogen peroxide wood bleach. Readily available at most any hardware store, including the big box stores.

   Use this with care or you could go too light. Apply to only the stained areas by applying with a small artist's brush and have your neutralizer (vinegar) handy. If you have no experience using this product and are in in doubt, stop the process earlier than you think you need to by eyeball. You won't see the true end result until the wood is fully dried.

   As always, it's better to take a few small steps than to trip trying to take a giant one. :-)

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
1. 
   mikep1 | Sep 22, 2003 05:37am | #3

   Yes, it's very likely the four spots are from the metal flower pot of some kind. I'll try the oxalic acid route tomorrow. Thanks alot for your advice. MikeP