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From: mikemo@tekig1.UUCP (Mike Moser)
Newsgroups: net.rec.wood
Subject: Re: that awful spot
Message-ID: <1838@tekig1.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 12-Feb-85 14:49:17 EST
Article-I.D.: tekig1.1838
Posted: Tue Feb 12 14:49:17 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 14-Feb-85 11:46:23 EST
References: <532@decwrl.UUCP>
Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR
Lines: 16

> I bought a used table made of solid oak.  There were some
> blemishes on it that I thought could be sanded out.  Well
> I was wrong.  They are not just surface blemishes.
> Big black  stains, that I believe are water marks. Anyway I can't
> seem to get them out.  I tried steel wool and a wire
> brush using regular clorox and it helped alittle, 
> but I still have a long way to go.

There is a chemical called oxalic acid that is used to remove certain stains
from wood. Oxalic acid is very dangerous and in some states is only available
to professional painters and woodworkers. Here in Oregon I can get it at my
paint store. It is a powder you mix with warm water, apply and wait, and then
neutralize it with baking soda. I have used it on water spots with good results
and on other spots with poor results. As with any unknown chemical you should
try it on a scrap piece first. I repeat, it is strong stuff so use rubber
gloves and read the directions carefully.