Iron / ferrous stain removal in woods with tannins

Dan_Shade · October 12, 2022, 05:07:50 PM

I'm not sure where I picked this up, but I'd like to pass along the tip/process and talk about my results in removing blue/black stains left in walnut, cherry, and oak wood caused by Iron in the log.

Oxalic Acid will remove an iron stain in wood. A cheap, readily available source for this is Barkeeper's Friend powder. I found a can of it in the cleaning supply section of my local box store.

Stain #1

stain #2

paste made with Barkeeper's Friend

results

I scraped off the dried paste with a card scraper, and wiped it down with a wet rag.

I used some borax dissolved in hot water after the water wipe down to attempt to neutralize the acid.

doc henderson · October 12, 2022, 05:22:00 PM

i have some tubs of oxalic, i will check Lowes and glad to hear it works on iron stain.

Dan_Shade · October 12, 2022, 05:44:54 PM

The Barkeeper's Friend was by far cheapest source that I could find.

Old Greenhorn · October 12, 2022, 05:46:42 PM

That is slicker than deer guts on a doorknob! Thanks, I'm gonna find some of that stuff. I have been thinking about this lately and you may have nailed it for me.

Old Greenhorn · October 12, 2022, 05:55:08 PM

My Lowes has it for $2.40 can which is pretty dang cheap.
I'd watch that stuff around those nice tools you have on the bench though. ;D

btulloh · October 12, 2022, 05:58:45 PM

Great tip! Thanks.

Now that makes two good uses for Barkeepers Friend that I've learned. It also works really well on stubborn soap scum in the shower. (BTW- body wash doesn't leave soap scum.)

doc henderson · October 12, 2022, 06:27:06 PM

Pun intended Tom?

btulloh, not sure I would use the barkeepers friend in place of body wash! :D :D :D

doc henderson · October 12, 2022, 06:29:21 PM

Quote from: Old Greenhorn on October 12, 2022, 05:46:42 PMyou may have nailed it for me.

no pun intended Tom?

btulloh · October 12, 2022, 06:31:33 PM

lol lol lol Probably would get you nice and clean Doc. lol

Old Greenhorn · October 12, 2022, 06:37:32 PM

Quote from: doc henderson on October 12, 2022, 06:29:21 PM
Quote from: Old Greenhorn on October 12, 2022, 05:46:42 PMyou may have nailed it for me.
no pun intended Tom?

I would have bet hard cash that nobody would pick up on that. Forgot you were reading. :D

Larry · October 12, 2022, 10:46:05 PM

That's good to know. My Walmart Neighbor Market carries the stuff and I have some in the shop.

On the flip side I've been playing with staining oak using iron. In the picture the solution is steel wool in vinegar. The wood is red and white oak. One piece was pre-treated with coffee and another with black tea. Working on a white oak art project and need the perfect finish.