Replies

1. 
   GretchenTHE FIRST | Jan 30, 2011 08:00am | #1

   I don't think I see what is being asked--is it the entire shadow or are there spots. In any case, I agree with the other poster about wiping it down with mineral spirits and see what it looks like then. They may just disappear.

1. 
   albertino | Feb 07, 2011 03:18pm | #2

   walnut slab

   Thank you guys! I've tried thinner and multiple sanding techniques but nothing works. I've never tried bleaching, maybe you can recommend a useful link. Thank you again for all your help.

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Feb 07, 2011 11:19pm | #3

   On the off chance that these are metal stains I'd start with oxalic acid bleach.  You should find this in every good hardware store.  Sometimes in little blue boxes with a rainbow design.  More recently it is found in a plastic tub labeled wood bleach.  Follow label directions. 

   If that doesn't work, then you would have to use a 2 part wood bleach.  Frankly I wouldn't do it.  It will essentially remove all the color, removing a lot of the walnut character.  You could re-dye the walnut to make it walnut colored but quite a bit more homogeneous.  If the oxalic bleach hasn't worked I would take that as an indication that those spots are part of the natural character of that walnut, and leave them alone. 

1. 
   GretchenTHE FIRST | Feb 08, 2011 07:59am | #4

   I finally found the "enlarger" and I think it is just a part of that log. They are just too random and odd shapped.   Wonder what it looks like on the other side?

   OP, when you say you have tried mineral spirits and it "didn't work", do you mean that you looked at the slab while it was wet with the MS and could still see the spots?  MS won't remove the spots, but the way the slab will look when wet with MS is how it will look with a clear finish.  Just checking and an FYI.