how do I remove water stains from post?
Hi,
Have three Doug Fir 6 x 6 posts on a concrete slab. During construction, had some rainwater pooling and the posts have waterstains about 4-6 inches up from the bottom.
Now that we’re finishing the interior I’d like to remove the stains. What’s the best way? These posts will be finished with linseed oil.
Sanding? I can try but I have a hunch the stains penetrated. Somebody suggested bleach and water, but that would probably change the color of the wood.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Ed
Replies
Sanding probably not sounds like it got soaked up the old end grain. If that is the case it is in deep. I don't think bleach and water will do it. There are wood bleaches talked to someone who tried it on a walnut gun stock he said afterward it was like balsa wood.
I wonder if the newer deck cleaners would work for you.
They may be able to clean just the surface enough for you to oil them where as sanding would just get you deeper into the stain. I take it that these posts are resting directly on the concrete? Also is it a gray stain or just a darkening.
Try peroxide.
Quittin' Time
I think I'd ask "Luvditchburns" as he does wood floors and probably has had the most experiance with water stains in wood.
"Understanding yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth"
Alan Watts
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
In lieu of being able to remove the stains to your satisfaction, you might (if you haven't already) consider wrapping the post bottoms with wood (whatever height suits and looks good) forming a plinth type base. Of course, you'd want to be certain that both the post wood and your new wood are both at EMC before proceeding.
You could use the same or an alternate species and perhaps mill a profile in the top edges to dress things up. Or maybe rout some flutes in the covers. Or if it suits your decor, you could build four frame and panel sides like those frequently seen on newell posts. The panels could be from any number of contrasting materials for a fancy look if it suits. Or........
I guess I'm a bit skeptical about being successful concerning getting the stains removed and having the result match the rest of the wood above.
I had to remove iron stains as well as the type of stain you mentioned on a big timberframe and the best thing that worked for me was oxalic acid. It's marketed as deckwash, etc. I ended up using the stuff at a 1:2 ratio with water (instead of the manufacture's directions of 1:10) with scotch brite pads and it worked pretty well. It did take a lot of scrubbing, though, and you'll probably have to deal with a little raised grain, but nothing else - TSP, bleach, worked nearly as well. I imagine, depending on how sun-darkened your wood is that it will lighten the wood a bit.
PS I don't think anything will take the stains completely out, but you should be able to make them unnoticeable.
Edited 3/29/2003 3:51:54 PM ET by ALANROBERSON